This Old Tabby House

Adversity makes some men succeed, while it makes others crumble. The only real way to know which way we will react is to go through it. In the midst of the deepest struggles is often born the greatest accomplishments. Hardships can ignite hope, or hopelessness.

When you look at the picture here, what do you see? Some will say ruins. Others, will say history. I say, strength through adversity. I took this photo on Jekyll Island not long ago. The home of Major William Horton, it was originally built in 1740. Yet, through all the years of war, fire, hurricanes and such like, it remains steady. Certainly the Horton home has been propped up through the years. Getting some assistance here and there. We all need that from time to time. But the strength of the structure is found in its Tabby Roots.

Tabby is found along the Southeastern U.S. Coast. Predominately around North Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. It is formed from a mixture of limestone, sand, oyster shells and water. What does this have to do with adversity? The answer is simple. The adversity of time. storms and other elements only serve to help the Tabby harden more. Much like concrete, the older it gets, the stronger the bond that holds it together.  As humans, we can relate to this. Time has a way of strengthening us if we allow the process to take hold. Many are the stories that tell of how great men emerged from Bankruptcy and found themselves among the wealthiest on earth. H.J. Heinz, and Henry Ford and Milton Hershey are  examples among this select group.

So the next time you are faced with overwhelming adversity, think of this Old Tabby House on Jekyll Island. Reach inside and and form that bond that allows you to stand the test of time. Let it become the catalyst that propels you into the future with success. Yours is the path that leads to a brighter day.