It’s defined by Webster’s dictionary as “the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty: the quality or state of being brave.”
It’s confidence and grace when facing hard things. When we are brave we make tough decisions and take action.
Steve Maraboli a decorated military veteran and motivational speaker tells the following story;
“I had been nominated for a leadership award and even though I was honored to be considered, I couldn’t help but ask the Master Sergeant why I was selected over the many brave soldiers they had to choose from. He said, “You’re right, all of these soldiers are brave men and women; but you… you are courageous. That is why you have been selected.” I think he saw the look of bewilderment on my young face. He continued, “Maraboli, there is a difference between bravery and courage. I’m going to tell you the difference and I want you to always remember this… any BRAVE man will grab a lion by its balls, but it takes COURAGE to keep squeezing.”
Photo by Brian McMahon on Unsplash
What is courage?
I have seen courage in the eyes of my friend, a beautiful young mother of a as she faced the end of her days on this earth. Cancer claimed her body but never her spirit. I saw strength in the eyes of my daughter as she battled back from the devastating stroke she experienced while expecting her fifth baby. She did not give up as she fought hard to regain her life and independence.
Chronic illness eats away at the soul like a termite to wood and it takes great courage to be tenacious for a journey without answers.
Standing with a hurting friend and being their brave person may be your calling for a season. You will need to embrace your own form of courage, to be their strength when they are spent.
Courage means being vulnerable and letting ourselves be seen.
Photo by Jesse Collins on Unsplash
Many brave and courageous moments go unseen while we are quietly persevering without fanfare. Brave may simply be taking the messy hard first step. Courage may be standing strong and not giving up in the midst of a seemingly unending place of hard things. Brave means not playing small and settling for a life less than the one you are capable of.
Moments of Unseen Bravery
Young mama raising future generations, you are brave.
Teacher, speaking into the lives of confused junior high students, you are brave.
Entrepreneur, longing to create and change your corner of the world, you are brave.
Warrior, fighting a disease which ravages your body and steals your dignity, you are brave.
Police Officer, standing strong to keep your community safe, you are brave.
Senior, growing old is not for the faint of heart. I see you face it with grace. You are brave.
Parent, who prays without ceasing for a wayward child, you are brave.
Pastor, leading a motley group of sheep to become more like Jesus, you are brave.
Spouse, standing beside a hospital bed, still faithful to your love whose mind and bodynow fades away, you are brave.
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. – Nelson Mandela
If only wonderful things happened to us, we would never need to be brave. I believe the scariest moment is always just before you start. When faced with a recent health crisis, I didn’t feel brave.
Are you in the middle of a hard messy place? I know, there are days it’s crazy scary. I get it. Somedays, pulling the blanket over our head and staying in bed may seem like the best choice. It’s not.
Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged. 2 Chronicles 32:7
Today, I encourage you, take a deep breath. Gather your people. Stand tall. Allow me to be the one who speaks into your soul the words …you (yes, YOU) are braver than you know and stronger than you ever believed. Press into Jesus. He calls you beautiful. He sees you strong and calls you by name. You are created in the image of God and you are so loved by him.
If you need someone to partner with you as you reach for the courage to be all God has called you to be, let me know via the comments below or email me – nancy@intentionallife.me.
Thank you for your positive message. I see that you do understand (and have helped me understand better) what courage is.
Thank you Sis. This En—couraged me. Merry Christmas!