Happy Independence Day – Keep Fighting!

“I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not go fast, for I intend to go in harm’s way.”

– John Paul Jones

June was crazy. We had a number of experiences to the Righteous workload that were awesome. From an excellent training retreat for a new team of parent advocates for a program called the Catholic Parent Initiative, our first women’s retreat deep in the Finger Lakes with Bloom, and a successful book launch at Hydraulic Hearth – we’re seeing some fruits from a lot of toiling.

As we continue to grow, it’s good to remember why we do the things. Why do we work? Why do we dream? Why do we do?

For me, as Ani and I celebrate nine years of marriage, this “why” is here at home. My wife and four babies is why I build. Why I toil.

None of this is easy. If it was, anyone would do it.

Success isn’t guaranteed. I could fail tomorrow.

You could probably relate with your own situation.

I was talking to a man the other day who admitted that he struggled with despair and sloth when it came to ideas. He was afraid to start the dream and call in front of him. He’s a Muay Tai fighter and boxer, fearless in a fight. I encouraged him to take that same courage in the ring to action with his desire to start a ministry and business. I learned more about his story, our Lord is forming him for a great purpose through the heat of the relationship with Him and the hammering of experience.

Here is where you and I have the opportunity – it’s through trial that we learn how to apply what we’ve learned, and gain what could never be learned by book.

In reflection of our country’s founding, I recall our national naval hero, John Paul Jones of the Revolutionary War, “I have not yet begun to fight!” while in a heated battle with the British frigate, The Serapis. And so it was, our national heritage was built on the faith, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit of our founding generations. We still have that in us today, don’t take our liberty for granted.

Remember why you do the things you do. Be brave to do the things you haven’t started yet or need to continue. Your “why” won’t be perfect, and neither will your “how,” but keep going and iterate as you go. You either win or you learn.

Keep fighting for what has been given to you! Happy Independence Day.

Adam Jarosz is the founder of Righteous Co. and author of “Iron Ore: Journal of a Man” – a brand built on faith, adventure, and purpose. With over twenty years of experience in ministry and business, Adam leads retreats, writes from the trenches of real-life discipleship, and equips others to live boldly and faithfully. He’s a husband, father of four, and believer in Christ and His Church, the power of grit and grace, and good fellowship. Follow along for insights that challenge, encourage, and call you higher with his newsletter, The Climb.