the fun fact about this week's word is that i thought it was one word...and then reread the email from my super awesome word-of-the-week-word sender friend and realized it was something different. so the word that i had been composing 5 minutes worth for in my head is not the word...so this is the word...and here are my 5 minutes of thoughts AND typing....all wrapped up into a nice little blog post.
Courage
“Courage,
dear heart.” The C.S. Lewis quote is tattooed
on the inner part of her wrist. And now
is certainly a time for courage as her brother is being deployed to the Middle
East. She doesn’t even know it – but she’s
already so courageous. Living, serving, teaching high school and middle school
students on a ship in Africa…telling stories and leading Ukelele Club…giving
speeches and making Toastmasters on the ship possible…investing in friends…trusting
God with all that she has and all that she is – even her future…even her
brother. She’s got courage – and it’s
beautiful.
“Courage,
it is I.” – that’s what Jesus said when he walked out on the waves towards the
boat with the disciples who were shaking in their boots (sandals?!), isn’t
it? They were afraid…they were afraid of
the storm…they were afraid of the figure approaching them on the water. ON THE
WATER. Wouldn’t that be a bit
scary?! And our Savior says “Courage. It’s me.”
Here I am. You don’t have to be afraid.
No need to be scared. I am here…and
now I’m going to calm the storm. (it’s pretty significant to me that He didn’t
calm the storm and THEN identify himself).
His presence makes it possible for us to be courageous. He makes us brave (now there’s a song that’s
been playing in my heart and mind and cabin this week!).
Courage,
dear heart, as your brother is going into a war zone. Courage, dear heart, as your son’s heart and body are growing stronger and stronger but the future is still so uncertain. Courage, dear heart, as you wait for the
child that you long to adopt. Courage,
dear heart, as your precious daughter battles cancer. Courage, dear heart, as your husband flies that helicopter and serves our country by being a soldier. Courage, dear heart, as you wait on the Lord to give you the desires of your heart. Courage, dear heart, as you mother your sons
and serve your husband. Courage, dear
heart, as you continue trying to be who God has made you to be…He is with
you. He makes us brave. He gives us courage.
Stop.
alright -- confession: that was a little more than 5 minutes...more like 7...and i have lots of other thoughts...maybe it should be "50 minute friday". just kidding. the "5 minutes" is what makes is do-able. i like this little exercise.
until next time...courage, dear heart. :)
