Courage is defined as the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous. Mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
I love the word courage. It means I have to make the decision every day to do something that I know will be difficult. And I need all of the mental and moral strength I can muster to persevere. Some days, courage means putting a smile on my face when I just don’t feel like smiling. Other days it is holding my ground. Hell, trying on a bathing suit is a total act of courage.
If we’re not careful, we erode our “courage bank account.”
When we are younger, we think we are invincible. We believe we can do anything (just ask my teenagers!). Somewhere along the way, that confidence and self-assurance starts getting knocked down, slowly eroding over time. We wake up one day and think, “I can’t, I shouldn’t, I couldn’t possibly,” and if we’re not careful, it erodes our “courage bank account.” When our account is empty, we start to question ourselves and our choices. We second guess our gut and overthink things. We become paralyzed with fear. We get stuck.
Courage means taking risks, going after what you really want, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. It could be having a difficult conversation, setting clear boundaries, signing up for a class, or anything else you’ve been avoiding because it is difficult, scary, or uncomfortable. I’m here to give you a little nudge.
Building courage doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one decision at a time. Where could you use a little courage right now? What is one thing you can do this week to start moving in that direction?
This message spoke very clearly and loudly to me. I hope all is well with you. jk
Hi stranger! I was thinking about you at this year’s NAMI walk. I would love to see you and catch up!!!
I need so much courage to face a hostile work environment. I have tried so hard with one individual, and when it got so bad that I needed some help, I went to my supervisor, she offered no help, and didn’t return emails,HR, no help didn’t bother to answer emails, department head, no help, next level. They suggested I apply at other campuses. That made me feel like they would really like to get rid of me. The next level, right under the president, only avenue left, no help. At one point, my supervisor came, and right in front of the person causing me all this grief, shouted at me until I was a sobbing mess. You can be assured that I pray about this a lot! Any suggestions from you would really be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Susan,
I’m sorry it took me a while to respond to this. Have you ever heard the saying, “When God closes a door…” I think you might be ready for a new window! It sounds like you have very little support, and it might be time for a fresh start. The only other option is changing your expectations. I’m sorry you’re struggling. Hang in there!
Always good to receive your uplifting news. You are my hero. Wish you could make house calls…your energy is contagious. Miss you and your visits at ERS. I am thankful you can share your experience of perserverance , strength and most of all Love & Happiness! !
Bless you. Shalom, dear friend.
Hey Bonnie! So great to hear from you!!! I’m reaching out and giving you a huge hug!!!
I always appreciate your candid, thought-provoking commentary on life’s issues -sometimes the things we don’t ‘fess up to because we think they are too personal.
P.S. Love the splash of turquoise in your photo!
Thanks so much, Shirley.
Being reminded of how fearless we once were as young persons, priceless! Enjoyed the piece!
I experienced something like this, as a caregiver years ago. I had just had a rotten molar removed, the root of which had wrapped itself around my jaw bone. The dentist had actually become tired in trying to get it out! Armed with plenty of medicine, I went home, only to receive a phone call from someone who had just had all of his teeth extracted – and had to taken to emergency because it triggered unexpected bleeding. Since I had been a caregiver in other experiences with this family, they naturally turned to me.
But, I was also in pain! “Why me, Lord?”
It finally occurred to me that if Christ took on the pain of mankind’s fallen state from perfection, and gave us a chance to “flesh out” true mercy ourselves, that He might actually help us in our own pain!
I remembered Isaiah 58:5-6; 10. God’s chosen “fast”, modeled by Christ, many years after Isaiah, was my “security blanket”!
I went – armed with pain pills. I didn’t need them after I prayed with them!