I have to admit that writing is one of the scariest platforms for me. Give me a stage before thousands and I will be fine but a pen and paper have the ability to cause me to fear like no other. I believe there is a time in all of lives that we have to push past the fear of the unknown and push past the horrendous possible outcomes created in the dark recesses of our mind to embrace the goodness that is set before us.
I hope I am clear that I am not talking about unwise, irresponsible, or ungodly actions. What I am talking about is “that thing” you would regret if you did not do it, did not pursue it, or did not try if time was cut short. It is “that thing” that you can’t get away from because of that still, small voice inside. I am not talking about what you do not know but what you do know. In those areas, we all need courage to act.
I wish I could say that I have been a Christian that has been fearless. I have not! That is why I am thankful daily for my eyes to see a new morning. I am grateful for another moment, another day, and another opportunity to take heart and grow into a courageous person that trusts God (in that area in my life).
Last week, I was challenged to be courageous. Throughout Scripture, we see it over and over again. God calls his people to take courage to do the task that He has set before them. As a result, courage led the way for deliverance, freedom, destiny, healing, prosperity, and so much more. I like how my friend, Brad, says it, “Courage is overcoming the element of fear to be triumphant.”
For some, “that thing” could be an act such writing an article, song, or that book. For others, it may be facing a difficult issue. Earlier this month, I was in an event called, Girlfriend Therapy. I listened to the stories of courageous women that have been through much. I listened to their difficult stories and journey of emotional healing. I watched the tear-stained faces in the room of women encouraged to move forward in their own journey of facing their issues and receiving healing. One of the many statements that have rang in my ears since the event, “A women can beautify the outside but it takes courage to do the necessary work of the heart”. This is a true statement for both men and women.
Until writing the blog this morning, I never realize the courage is something that I take (grab a hold of) that gives me strength to move forward. For so much of my life, I felt alone in my circumstances. Not until I began to talk to trusted friends, I realized that I was not alone.
My friend, you are not alone. Take courage and use it as a vehicle or force to move you forward in all that God has called you to do. Your acts of courage become strength for others to do the same. It is my prayer that as you place this area before the Lord, He would order your steps and give you a plan to walk it out. May goodness of God over shadow and fill your life.
P.S. I love community! A healthy community has the potential to be a place of strength, encouragement and support. Today, I asked a group of friends to tell me their thoughts on the subject of courage. I look forward to sharing it with you in the next few days!
Take Heart and Be Of Good Courage!
Angela is the Founder of Shades of Goodness. She looks forward to providing a platform dedicated to discovering the goodness in the world around us: home, finances, random acts of kindness, cuisine, personal goals, and most importantly God.
