What defines strength?

For many of us, strength is defined by physical aspects.  

He opened the jar of pickles in one twist, he lifted that box with ease. 

or...

She lifted the baby in the car seat with one arm, she could handle all those bags in one trip.

Those are some thoughts about physical strength that came to my mind.  Before I share my definition of strength, I want to know yours.

What opportunities have you had that defined strength?  Where, in your life were you and what were you facing?  What did you see that made you feel "This is strength"?

Strength isn't always defined by one's physical ability but by their mental capacity.  Although you may see one that looks as though they've fallen and their strength has escaped from your perspective, you may not see what they've over come, gone through or faced that has put them where they are today.  

I have met some of the strongest people living on the streets, some without words as it speaks through their eyes.  Some parents that have faced the loss of a child, fought addictions, escaped abuse, fell physically, all over came each and came to the other side.  Some not knowing their own strength, not aware of their own successes.  

Strength is surviving the moment of adversity, growing with each and becoming someone different on the other side.  

This is my definition.