One of the strategies operators who answer phone calls at suicide prevention organizations use is to remind distressed callers of the cyclical nature of life.

When someone calls who is in dire straits, unstable, and deeply depressed, using this strategy, an operator will point out that the deep, dark place the caller is inhabiting is not a place of permanence, but is temporary, and that this, too, shall pass.

The operator will try to help the distressed caller think of times when things were better, vacations, job promotions, or the birth of a child, and let the caller see that despite life's ups and downs, things even out and life is worth living.

Having the fortitude to remember the good times when we're in the midst of bad times, is as important as having the humility to remember the bad times in the midst of good times.

Fortitude and humility are two traits you and I need as the ups and downs of life come and go. And it's at the heart of the famous words we hear from Jesus this Sunday.

That's when you we'll hear that familiar Bible passage commonly called the Beatitudes in which Jesus says 'Blessed are the poor, 'Blessed are the hungry,' etc. and then says, 'Woe to you who are rich,' 'Woe to you who are full,' etc.

One way to read this is as a description of the daily rhythm of life, noting that we all go through times of need and sorrow as well as fullness and joy - so that the message is of fortitude and humility.

As we go through good times, how can we stay grounded and thankful?

As we go through tough times, how can we remember that things will likely get better?