Do you feel brave? How do you display courage? Would your friends describe you as courageous? I was browsing the headlines yesterday and saw that the great Maya Angelou had passed away. I’m a fan of inspirational quotes and I have always been inspired by her. Maya Angelou states in the above quote that courage is the most important virtue. Would you agree with this?
As we were traveling yesterday, I was thinking about how I display courage in my own life. Do people think I am courageous by my acts? Am I really courageous on the inside? Am I brave at all? Am I a good role model for my family?
I think I’m good at putting on a brave face in front of people during difficult circumstances but am I really courageous? What exactly does it take to be courageous, brave, fearless, audacious, or dauntless? Can you still fear on the inside and yet be courageous?
As most of you know, we have been running from one ball game to another almost every day. All 3 of the older kids are playing softball or t-ball and are learning new aspects of the game this year, whether it’s playing a new position, how to be a better teammate, or new skills. All of these can be difficult!
Trying anything new takes courage. Whether it’s moving to a new area, applying or accepting a new job, beginning new relationships, or putting yourself in any position where you feel uncomfortable at first…all of these require you to take a step of courage. Setting goals requires courage, especially when they seem out of reach! Facing sickness, death of a loved one, a separation, divorce, or a major change to your status quo of living are all difficult, scary and all require bravery.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) says,”Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I am, and I hope you are as well, comforted when I’m feeling vulnerable and weak because we are all loved by our Heavenly Father. He will never leave us whether we feel brave or weak, no matter how others view our lives, or whether we are verbally rewarded from someone else that we are courageous. Each of us face difficulty every day. Stay strong and do your best, God is on your side!
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