In the rich tapestry of human emotions, fear, and faith weave contrasting patterns, with suffering playing a pivotal role in this interplay. Fear thrives on the "what if" - the endless scenarios of potential misfortune that can paralyze us. It asks, "What if I fail?" or "What if everything goes wrong?"
Faith, however, embodies the "even if" - a philosophy of resilience and courage. It acknowledges risks but chooses action over stagnation, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, there's a path forward. This perspective is echoed in the scripture from Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. This scripture speaks directly to the heart of faith, offering divine assurance that transcends human fear.
Adding another dimension to this narrative is Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, whose philosophy on success includes the embrace of suffering. Huang provocatively stated, "I hope suffering happens to you," implying that encountering pain and suffering can build character and resilience, which are essential for greatness. His own journey with Nvidia, including near-bankruptcy experiences, has shaped his perspective on resilience. Huang presents suffering as a motivator rather than something to avoid, articulating that fear can be a driving force for success. Jensen has been an inspiring resource during the creation of NABA, and I couldn’t agree more with his suggestion that a healthy fear of failure keeps one vigilant and adaptable. One of our Executive Team’s greatest superpowers has been our willingness to pivot and make regular adjustments. Getting it right will always trump being right.
In our daily lives, this interplay between fear, faith, and the acceptance of suffering is constant. Whether it's the entrepreneur risking failure for a vision or someone reaching out despite the fear of rejection, the choice between "what if" and "even if" defines our actions. Huang's philosophy adds that the "what if" of fear can be the very catalyst that moves us towards the "even if" of faith, where resilience is forged in the fires of adversity.
Ultimately, the scripture from Isaiah encourages us to replace fear with faith, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. By choosing faith, supported by the understanding that suffering can lead to greatness, we don't ignore the risks but decide they are worth facing, bolstered by a power greater than our fears. This choice shapes not only our personal growth but also the legacy we leave - one of caution or one of courage.
Listen to Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, give an inspiring download on resilience and fear:
