Courage

     I'm sitting here looking at my computer screen and the one single word that keeps running through my mind is . . . COURAGE.  Right along with courage, like little ducklings in a row, would be bravery and strength of heart. . .  I admire these qualities greatly!!!
     The first pictures that come to my mind when I think of bravery are the strong pioneers, or the strength of a missionary in a foreign land.  The persecuted are another depth of brave courage that I stand in awe of.  Such inner strength to endure under such strain on spirit and body . . . leaves me speechless, with deepest respect.
     But there's the hidden, unseen courage, that is so subtle, so tucked away, as if as a shy shadow, only recognized when observed closely.  The tender, soft, intangible courage that is sometimes so hidden that nobody but the very person themselves, can know the extent of the courage tucked underneath, though courage be the farthest word from the person's thoughts.
     I'm remembering the story of a little boy, who was being faced with a vicious sounding, big, dog.  The dog barked wildly, terrifying the little boy.  He needed to walk past the dog to get to his destination and with all the inner strength he could muster, he finally gathered enough courage to run past the dog that was standing in his way.  Later when telling his Mom, the story, he was so disappointed to inform her that he was scared and not at all brave.  That's when his Mother told him that he actually was very brave.  It wasn't the lack of fear, but the courage he had to face the fear and push through what would otherwise have held him back.
     It seems sometimes when courage is the farthest from our vocabulary, when we are feeling the weakest . . . most vulnerable . . . more heart muscles are being used, that courageous would actually describe it best.
     It's the friend who attends yet another baby shower, when she herself feels the pain of her absents of a child . . . the inner strength that rices to face the very thing that would seek to choke you and beckon you to crawl in a shell, to avoid . . . the courage to face the fear that would hold you back, (though you be the only one to know that subtle personal weakness).  It's rejoicing with someone who has what your heart longs for. . . It's the choice to keep ones eyes fixed on Jesus, when your heart wants to question; to try and understand. 
     It's the inner strength that only Jesus can give.  When ones own heart is weak, that is when He comes through the strongest!  He sees that heart.  He sees that courage.  He rises to give the strength that would otherwise fail you and He's proud of you!
     He's proud of the way you depend on Him; leaning heavily on His strength when you can't do it yourself.  He sees the courageous brave heart, that refuses to give in, to succumb to defeat, to protect ones own heart from pain.  He sees it when nobody else does!