Courage

By Liz Wiskowski

       We can all think of courageous people. Soldiers in battle, someone who rushes into a burning building to save someone, or who jumps into the water to rescue someone who is drowning. But we all need courage just to live our lives the way we should. Courage, or fortitude, is needed in life to do good and resist evil. We need it to follow the commandments, to face fears, to endure suffering or overcome addictions. It takes courage to get up in the morning and go to a job we don’t like or to do a task that we find repulsive. Mothers find courage to go through the pains of childbirth. We fear for our children, especially if they are not practicing the faith. Sometimes we are afraid to go to the doctor, especially if we are expecting bad news. Some days we are just not feeling up to par, but we must carry on and do what is necessary. There are times when I am afraid to submit these articles. I don’t want to offend anyone, but I continue to do so because so many people have asked me to. Everyday big and little things come up that require us to grit our teeth and be brave. We are so unbelievably fortunate that God always answers “yes” to the prayer “Please give me courage.” Remember He said “Be not afraid.” This isn’t a suggestion, it is a command.

      The apostles were afraid. They deserted him and then hid in the upper room, but at Pentecost they received the courage to go out and spread His word to the world.

      I remember the first time I was asked to sing at a wedding. I shook so hard the papers in my hand rattled and my voice was a squeak. I said a quick prayer, asking God for help, cleared my throat, and the songs soared, almost without my control.

      Going into major surgery, I was completely calm after asking Jesus for help. After losing a son, a brother, and a grandson, all within a few months, I could have wallowed in self pity and became crabby, but I asked repeatedly for His help, and I can smile at people, enjoy each day He gives me, and be grateful for His many blessings.

      So ask and you shall receive. With God’s help, we all can become brave people. “Be not afraid.”