noun

 the ability to do something that frightens one.

“she called on all her courage to face the ordeal”

strength in the face of pain or grief.

“he fought his illness with great courage”

The wall above my desk in my creative area is littered with many papers. I have had some of these papers for a few years and others only since Sonny’s death. When I rearranged the room I knew that I wanted them here, in front of me. They are precious to me as they represent not only the love of the people who created them but God’s tender mercies to me along this journey. This particular one was made by my daughter.

She herself was/is  facing incredible sadness and grief yet she made this and two others for her sisters to remind us all to have courage.

The scriptures are full of verses about courage. Full. Fear, pain and grief are common to all people. We all face it in our lives, some more acutely that others.

Before Sonny died I assumed it would be hard but I truly had no idea that it would be like this. I am still knocked for a loop with the cruelty of grief. I think that I am doing “better” and then it feels like day one. Somedays I do not want to get out of the bed, eat or be around people. I want to have a giant pity party only with me, myself and I. But God has given me the courage to get up each and every day. Even during the darkest day I am reminded that tomorrow is another chance to try again.

Courage is knowing that it is going to be difficult, that you are going to be afraid and that you may not succeed at whatever you are attempting. Courage helps you try anyway. Courage helps you put one foot in front of the other and walk down the path set before you, even when you would rather run in the opposite direction. So I ask God daily for courage, I know He will supply.

My children are a source of inspiration to me.  They too continue to get up and do the Hard Things. They continue to love and support each other. Last Sunday three of my children were leading worship at two different churches. The others sat beside me, held my hand as we cried together as the pastor prayed over our family. Beautiful things do come out of hardship.

What fears do you have? We are all facing giants, they just may not be obvious to others. Be encouraged that you are not alone, there are many others who face fear daily. God cares about each and every thing and is able to help. If you feel that you have no one to talk to, feel free to send me a message or leave comment. I will not share it unless you desire to let it be known. We all need to have someone in our lives that we can speak honestly with.