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Hunker Down

Hunker Down

Hunker Down--Ocean storm with high wavesDuring recent storms, many of us had to hunker down in more than one way. We protected ourselves from the storms’ initial danger. Afterwards, we worked hard to recover from any damage.

The Free Dictionary gives four meanings for hunker down.

  1. “Literally to squat.” We bend our knees to lower ourselves.
  2. “To seek refuge.” We find shelter when dangers arise.
  3. “To work or begin to work … in a determined manner.” We clean up after a disaster or we study hard.
  4. “To stubbornly maintain some belief.” We refuse to compromise, change our mind, or admit when we make a mistake.

Although I have heard this expression used all four ways, I usually think of the second one. Similar to a ship’s crew that battens down the hatches, we prepare for a storm.

Storms occur in all areas of life.

  • Physical—Bad weather, health problems, or accidents
  • Mental—Illness, educational challenges, or overload
  • Emotional—Relationship issues, stress, or uncertainty
  • Spiritual—Persecution, false information, or poor choices

Whatever storm we face, we never have to hunker down alone.

If we turn to God, God remains with us. One of my favorite old gospel songs promises, “No, Never Alone.”

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).

Which meaning of hunker down have you heard or used?

Thanks to Judy Glen Corbin for the suggestion. Image by Didier from Pixabay.

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Hardheaded

Hardheaded

HardheadedAre you hardheaded? The following test may help you decide.

1. Do you always want everything your way?
2. Do you refuse to listen to other opinions?
3. Do you have a hard time changing your mind?
4. Do other people call you stubborn? Worse, do they call you stubborn as a mule?

People have different levels of stubbornness or hardheadedness. Some are hardheaded about everything all the time. Others are a little hardheaded part-time.

Strong opinions can be helpful. Presidents and other leaders must stand firm on certain issues. At the same time, they must be willing to listen to all sides of any issue. That was true for the presidents carved on Mt. Rushmore. It remains true for leaders today.

A great plan for both leaders and followers: Listen well. Decide carefully.

“They have become as hardheaded as a rock. They refuse to change their ways” (Jeremiah 5:3 NET).

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Stubborn as a Mule

Stubborn as a Mule

Stubborn as a MuleI can be stubborn as a mule. Just ask anyone who knows me well. I hate to admit it, but it’s true.

  • I know what I want.
  • I know what I believe.
  • I don’t like change.
  • I’m not impossible, but I am stubborn.

A mule is born from a female horse and a male donkey. They have several advantages over horses:

  • Mules are sure-footed — less likely to slide or stumble.
  • They carry heavy weight better.
  • They endure heat well.
  • They are tough and strong.

Mules are smart. They take care of themselves. If they think something is dangerous, they won’t do it. They trust themselves more than others.

Try to force a mule to do something, and you will probably lose. That’s why we call them stubborn. Help the mule see the advantage of what you want, and you win.

The more I think about it, being stubborn as a mule may not be that bad. I wonder, is that because of my research, or is it because I want it to be so? Hmmm …

“My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled” (Psalm 17:5 NIV).

Thanks to the late Jack Bruns, another self-proclaimed stubborn-as-a-mule person, for the suggestion. Thanks to Debbie Tapscott, for the photo.

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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