Courage

When I think about the word courage today, it was because I remembered reading an inspiring letter that was written by both a former client and someone I also consider to be a friend.   He and his family had the courage to start a church from scratch.  Looking from the outside in, I always admired him (and the sacrifices his family made) for having the courage – I should call it faith – to never give up.   He may not have reached the numbers that many of the mega churches had, but he grew his small congregation because of his beliefs, and his calling to go where God was leading him.  When we normally identify courage in others, it’s usually the big things – pulling someone out of a burning building, fighting for our country, working beyond their own selves to make a difference in the world.  We rarely recognize the many times it’s in the small things that show our true courage and faith.  It’s having faith to listen and follow God during our most stressful and scary times.  For some of us it takes courage to put both feet on the floor on some days, the courage to speak our beliefs (even when not popular) and to encourage each other when our light seems dim.  True courage IS in each one of us; and it is only through our beliefs that our courage can turn up the light that God has placed in each of us.  I wish I had more courage.  I feel very safe sharing my faith with others that are fellow believers.  I am NOT good at being confronted or questioned as to why I believe.  Maybe you and I can pray this week for more courage to do the seemingly little things, small sacrifices, strength to keep moving forward with our eyes always on Jesus. He is the way – Jesus is courage in all its definition. I know my friend, despite all of his challenges and sacrifices in life, will continue to grow in his love for our Lord and continue to have the courage to make a difference, however small, in all who are in need.  God bless him, his family and all of us that have the true courage – to be believers!