A Gentle Kind of Strong

I wrote “A Gentle Kind of Strong” for my grandson, JJ.

The inspiration came from a photo of him when he was about three years old, dressed in a superhero mask and costume, posing with his little fist doubled up as if he were trying to look tough. But with his blond curls peeking out and the sweetness still shining in his eyes, I saw something even more powerful than toughness — I saw a tender, loving heart.

The song also comes from a real and painful moment when JJ was not invited to a friend’s birthday party. I wanted to write something that could comfort him through that kind of hurt — the kind many kids experience as they grow up, especially during the rougher years of junior high school.

This song is also a reflection of how I see JJ as a person. He is strong, but gentle when it is appropriate; tough when he needs to be, but still tender and loving at heart. I wanted the song to remind him that real strength does not have to mean acting hard or hiding your feelings. It can be gentle. It can be kind. And it can still be strong.

“A Gentle Kind of Strong” is a heartfelt and encouraging song about growing through hurt without losing the softness that makes you who you are. It is a reminder that courage, kindness, and tenderness can live together — and that being gentle does not make someone weak. Sometimes, it is the strongest thing of all.