Courage.

What does courage look like to you?

For some it is just getting out of bed in the morning, for others, it might be making that phone call.  Perhaps it is standing up for something you believe in, or trying hard to not let go.

There are many definitions of courage:

• mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
• Courage is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Valour is courage or bravery, especially in battle
• the ability to do something that frightens one; bravery
• strength in the face of pain or grief

I was walking with my daughter on the farm the other day, and there are many beautiful wildflowers, interesting insects, and rocks.  We seldom stop unless we are taking photos but on this occasion, we just took a stroll. At the first lot of yellow wildflowers, my daughter stops to look at the bees and asks me to join her.  I bend down and watch the bees go about their work.  Sticking their heads deep into the flowers, and collecting pollen on their legs.

While watching this one bee, and looking for ladybirds, we shifted our gaze a little further back. The little patch of flowers came to life! There were so many bees going about their work which we wouldn’t have noticed had we not looked further. The bees were not phased by anything or anyone, just doing what they do best.

Then it hit me.  We are so wrapped up in what we think are problems or what might happen in the future that we become short-sighted.  We feel like God has either abandoned us or has gone silent.  Yet, if we were to shift our focus, we would see Him.  We would see how He is protecting us, guiding us, teaching us. And we would realise His great love for us.

Does courage perhaps look like silence or maybe it looks like patience?

Where do you need to have courage? Where do you need to shift your focus?

What I am about to say is probably something a Christian shouldn’t feel but I guess I am only human.  What we are all experiencing at this time is so difficult.  We don’t know where it is going, don’t know what will happen in a month, we don’t know what will happen with our work, or even with our families.  I feel like I can’t plan because of the uncertainty, and it goes against every part of me.  I am a planner.  I love some sort of certainty and nothing in this world, other than God, and His promises, is certain.

I’ve been having these moments where I feel like it is all pointless, where I question everything I am doing and wonder whether I am wasting my time.  Wondering whether I am living in some illusion. Even though I know that I am not alone in this situation (literally everyone worldwide is in it), I feel alone. 

I am tired of crying, of trying to be strong, and I am tired of smiling to hide my heartache for this situation.

And I can’t think like this.  I have children that I need to provide for, teach, and raise to be the best that they can be.  And through all of this, I have to constantly remind myself to keep my focus vertical, to keep my eyes fixed on God.

My prayer is that God will give each of us the strength, courage, understanding, and discernment we need right now. 

Be gentle with yourself and others.  We are all fighting battles, and a little compassion goes a long way.

Be bold.  Be courageous. Be compassionate.

Keeping it simply raw & real.

Your sister in Christ.

1 Corinthians 16:13 

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.