Most of us are beginning our New Year as we always do — determining our priorities for the coming year and establishing our goals and plans to bring those priorities to fruition. It’s a time of considering possibilities and harnessing opportunities to become more effective and impactful.
And it occurs to me… How can we possibly accomplish all (or any) of that without courage?
What is courage? “The mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courage Are there any truly worthy goals or plans in life that do not require us to do or be this?
Look at your life. Your personal wellness and effectiveness. The thoughts that guide your mind and the choices that you make. The impact those thoughts and choices have on people around you — those you love and strangers whose paths you cross for a moment.
Look at our culture. The messages bombarding us about what we are supposed to think and feel, and how we are supposed to act. So we can be acceptable, lovable, significant, worthy… and so much more.
What role does courage play in embracing those messages and seeking to embody them? More challenging still, what role does courage play in resisting them? When our Life Source — the Power above every power — calls us embody His way instead?
“Jesus said, ‘If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” (John 8:31)
We have met some courageous disciples since this blog began on November 20, 2017. We will meet more in 2018. Present-day disciples who have chosen to shine the Light of Christ brightly in the marketplace — as business owners and employees.
Disciples who have encountered and withstood dangers, fears and difficulties of many kinds. With many outcomes. Like that old joke we’ve heard so much: “You win some, you lose some, and some get rained out.” I can’t help but add (especially for us as disciples of Christ):
“But you dress for every game.” AMEN?
What will we do in 2018 to better equip ourselves? So we can truly “dress for every game” — showing up, as unfailing and unstoppable, even when the going gets the toughest? Becoming ever-more-able to venture, persevere and withstand whatever dangers, fears or difficulties come our way?
If we leave our thought at “Develop More Courage,” it will go the way of every other New Year’s Resolution that’s violated hours after it’s made. For success, we must move forward with intentionality.
So make your list: What are your Top Ten Fears, in order of priority? Decide which one to work on first. Develop a specific action plan to face that fear, so you become desensitized to it. Start with the easiest. Keep going.
What do you think?
What insights and encouragement do you have for others, as we all seek to become fear-less?
Diana Furr, a.k.a. Abba’s Girl
This blog may have raised questions for you. If you’d like to connect, engage, or get further help from me, you can… EMAIL me at [email protected]; CALL me at 863-446-1660; or request a complimentary initial CONSULT with me at http://tinyurl.com/DianaFurr.