What Does It Mean to Be Strong?
When Be Strong Families emerged from Strengthening Families Illinois in 2012, we intentionally chose our name to embody the vibration we wanted to bring into the world. We saw ourselves as champions and cheerleaders of the inherent goodness in people, the wisdom and resilience of families—especially those who have been historically oppressed. Our mission was to encourage parents and family members to be strong—to recognize that they already possess the internal resources to thrive. To activate those resources. That’s the heart of Parent Cafés.
What Is Strength?
At its core, the founders of Be Strong Families—including myself—understood that strength is spiritual connection. It is both surrendering to what is and fighting the good fight in alignment with one’s values. It is being a servant leader.
We saw values as rooted in spiritual connection, with the energy of that connection radiating outward, guiding us to stand strong in the physical world. We committed to letting Spirit lead us—always toward positivity. Ours was a non-denominational connection to each other through the ultimate reality.
This is what we embraced under our value of Spirit:
“We pay attention to the spirit of things—the energy they carry. Because of this, we are attentive to synchronicity, understanding that processes involving people are organic, dynamic, and often non-linear. We seek to go where the positive energy is and move forward by building on strengths to realize abundance and prosperity. We understand Spirit to be the foundation of everything—including family—and we aspire to know our fundamental connection to all that is.”
We saw ourselves nurturing the spirit of family in the world. Fanning that flame.
Reclaiming Strength
Today, society often rejects weakness outright, yet at the same time, there’s confusion about what strength truly is.
Strength is vulnerability.
Strength is showing up.
Strength is speaking truth to powe
Strength is forgiving, appreciating, and expressing gratitude.
Strength is pushing for excellence.
Strength is co-creating and allowing emergence.
Strength is being willing to sacrifice.
Strength is struggling with dignity.
Strength is having each other’s backs.
Strength is seeing and amplifying the strengths in others, rather than dwelling on their weaknesses.
Strength is getting over yourself—moving beyond self-absorption and ego to truly serve others.
Strength is knowing it’s not about you—it’s about the collective, the mission, and the greater good.
That is our mantra and our blessing for the world: Be Strong Families.
All those at Be Strong Families must embody what it means to be strong—both personally and professionally. Otherwise, there’s a fundamental disconnect between our words and our actions. Building on strengths is essential—but so is recognizing and working on our weaknesses. None of us are perfect; we are all works in progress. Yet, in that journey, we must strive for unity.
So, let me ask you:
What is your strength?
Where do you need to be stronger?
The journey toward collective greatness begins with a personal commitment. Let’s walk that path together.