There has been a lot of talk over these last few days about what it means to quit. Especially when it comes to those who are expected to exceed normal human expectations.

Now, I will admit that I have little athletic ability whatsoever. Haven’t since college, possibly high school. And I have never been even close to being a world class athlete. The ways they push themselves is beyond belief – both mentally and physically.

However, I do get what it means to be put in a fishbowl and on a pedestal thanks to my profession. And thanks to some centuries-old notions, pastors are still expected to be superhuman at times. Or at least, we are not allowed to show weakness. Pretty much ever. Especially as a woman.

But here is the thing: all of us are human. We do break. We do have struggles. We do face real challenges – some of them made doubly if not triply hard by the position we are in.

Saying no is not quitting. Stepping back is not quitting. Refusing to kill ourselves for others is not quitting.

If we stopped breathing and gave into the overwhelming pain and struggle – that would be quitting.

What is more, willingly accepting responsibility for a struggle that has remarkable stigma attached to it and stepping into the breach for those who are not strong enough to do so – that is NOT quitting. That is the mark of a true hero.

So, here is my advice to everyone who is getting a bit mixed up these last few days: sort out your priorities and remember something – some of the people you put the most pressure on are the very ones who are in need of more grace than the rest.