Courage -- More, Please

A famous quote about courage resonated with me so much, that I couldn't rest until I grabbed the phone to write...

Courage is something that took me such a l-o-n-g time to effectively process and apply (wholesale) in my life. There were times when it was on full display, like when I once received a Courage Under Fire Award at a workplace Leadership Retreat. I was shocked to receive it, but also glad that someone had recognized a "C" thing---Courage. Professionally, that was a confirmation for me, but personally, there have been challenges. My journey certainly reveals that I've been courageous enough to make some unpopular decisions, but I, 100%, have more courage work to do.

Rewinding the tape, so much of my life has been about pleasing--not taking a stand on what I knew was the right thing, easily going along with the wrong thing, letting ownership and guilt of my raggedy behavior and choices drive me to silence when I should've spoken, and the list goes on. Wow, so many times, I've miserly and cowardly operated in just because, even though my spirit was slightly or heavily unsettled. Why? Because I just didn't have the mindset or the boldness to respond accordingly; courageously. Seemingly, I was open to contributing to and appealing to other's peace, all while rattling mine. It has happened way too much. I mean, how many times have I said to myself, I knew I shouldn't have done that; I knew I should have said something; Something told me not to go; I knew I should've kept my mouth shut? Hmmm...reminds me of what someone poured into me many years ago...Sometimes your gut (feeling) is God (speaking).

All of that and more gets summed up as Lisa C-S being reminded to tap into and protect the thing that she now values intensely. That thing is peace, and sometimes it requires an act of courage to get there or back there. In that, I pray that God continues to give me the courage to be me; to see me; to be unapologetically a protector of my peace; the courage to act; the courage to speak; the courage to be silent; the courage to get still in mind, body, and spirit and know that He's got it.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" ~ Psalm 46:10

And, the quote that so simply, yet powerfully sparked this long post 😩?

"Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use." ~ Ruth Gordon

Not reckless boldness (like I'm still working on), but...Prayed for and about, then properly positioned--- Courage...🙏🏽

Peace & Blessings,

Lisa C-S