When I was younger, I wanted to be courageous. I wanted to stand tall in the face of danger, be ready to defend myself, and be free of fear. Now that I’m older, courage has an entirely different meaning. Raising a child with mental illness has taught me that being courageous and brave can also mean demonstrating strength in the midst of pain and grief.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It is persevering in the midst of it!
Whether it’s standing your ground for something you believe in, confronting a co-worker about difficult behavior, believing in yourself, or simply hanging on when it would be easier to let go, courage is displayed in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Sometimes, courage simply means letting go of things you cannot control.
Is there something you’ve wanted to try but haven’t because you’ve been afraid? Is there a conversation you’ve avoided because it will be uncomfortable? Is there a choice you’ve been on the fence about making? If so, I’m here to give you a little nudge and encourage you to be courageous in whatever way it makes the most sense for you.
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”
-Mary Anne Radmacher
Thank you for the nudge my friend. Oddly, it was the nudge I was needing.
Thanks for the Ripple!
Sometimes, gentle unexpected nudges are the best. 🙂
Exactly what I needed to hear today! Thanks!
Anne, just wanted to agree with you and let you know how true that statement is on courage. “Courage is not the absence of fear.” As a pastor, I truly realize that we continue to persevere when we allow ourselves to trust in Him and advance in areas even though we are truly scared! I was inspired upon meeting you at a childcare conference I attended a while back. To hear of your struggles on getting treatment for your child and your stay at the Ronald McDonald House was again inspiring and encouraging. Listening to you speak of the tough times that you and your family have gone through made me realize that we really need to continue to pray for others in their struggles and intercede on their behalf. Thanks again for your sincerity and for sharing. I will keep you and your family lifted up in prayer. – David Deanda
Thanks, David. Continue the amazing work you do!