Courage

What do you think of when you hear the word courage? Do you have visions of soldiers who give of their time, and at times their lives, so that we can have the freedoms that we enjoy? Maybe your thoughts turn to a friend or family member who now finds themselves struggling with cancer, or some other disease that threatens to destroy their lives. Or maybe... your first thought is of the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz...


But I wonder, how often do we think of that word when it comes to sharing the darkest times of our lives with those who surround us?

I had the privilidge of providing prayer support for a friend who recently shared her testimony, and I have to tell you, the strength that this friend showed has given me a new way of looking at the word courage. For those of us who have experienced truly "dark times" in our lives, you will understand how hard it is to relive those moments... how truly unsettling it can be to have those memories brought to the surface when you least expect them to arise. Now... imagine bringing those feelings to the surface WILLINGLY, in hopes that by doing so, someone else won't make the mistakes that you have made. To me... that speaks of GREAT COURAGE... and a GREAT FAITH that Jesus will help you carry that burden... because the weight is always too much to bear alone.

To all of those who have been willing to set their own comfort aside, and have allowed God to receive glory even through your pain, I give you a huge "cyber hug", and I want to tell you that your COURAGE does make a difference... it is NOTICED.... and I have no doubt that when you are giving your testimony, God is holding you firmly in his arms, smiling down on you as you give Him praise for making you a NEW CREATION in HIM!!!!!