Courage.

Courage is the ability to do hard things.

It's the push, the focus, the strength.

It's knowing, and deciding, something is needed

And moving forward into it.

Courage is calling the person

Even when you don't want to hear their voice.

Courage is choosing your motions

Even when your emotions contradict.

Courage is carefully crafting a response

Even when you want to say the other.

Courage is walking into it

Even when you want to walk out.

Courage is standing in the gap

For those who feel helpless.

Courage is walking into injustice

For those who will tell the stories.

Courage is fighting for whats right

For those who are wronged.

Courage is taking the shield

For those who are too battered.

Courage is grabbing a hand

When you lament to admit it.

Courage is allowing help

When you struggle to ask for it.

Courage is conceding

When you fight to submit to it.

Courage is allowing love

When you chasten against it.

Courage is waiting

Listening

Praying

Relying

Finding

Releasing

Living.

Courage is everything about

Those days.

These days.

Those days of yonder.

These days I'm in.

The days to come.

Courage.

~~

One of my life passages is Joshua 1, where the LORD repeatedly attempts to armor his people, and Joshua, with "Be strong and courageous." So many times, this passage has been my shield, my sword, my steadfast. Still today, these days, it brings strength to my bones, surrender to my spirit, and solidness to my soul. For each time the LORD says it to Joshua, it becomes louder, bolder, more prominent. I too have learned these tender, battle words to be the same.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1: 9