Today’s article is part of our summer series, “Be of Good Courage.”

Dear Courage, 

You are always there for me, but it is up to me to let you in. 

You have physically shown up when I encountered a scorpion in my home. Do you recall how you helped me stomp on it like a crazy woman to protect my children and pet?

You showed up in an intellectual form when I had to learn new things while moving to another state. May I remind you of the first time I made a U-turn in the middle of the road? Because of you, I did it. (Where were those familiar Jersey jughandles that safely led me to the opposite direction on the road?) And then there’s pumping gas. Yes, courage, you showed up to help me figure that one out for the first time, while my kids cheered me on in the car…

Courage, you fiercely showed up when I was faced with controversy from a group of coworkers. You taught me to show moral courage. Doing the right thing is more important than being right. 

Courage, you show up every time I enter a room of strangers, and I have to somehow socially fit in. 

When making important life decisions, you have taught me to follow my heart. 

Most of all, courage, you help me spiritually to have faith and to rest on our Lord’s promises. 

Courage, you are amazing because you manifest your power in all these forms: 

• physical
• intellectual
• moral
• social 
• emotional (heart)
• spiritual

Scripture mentions you often. So, why do I resist you, even when I have felt your strength? 

You promise to show up when I have fear, like in the example given in Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.” 

You keep reminding me in examples that you will be with me wherever I go like in Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” 

You were there when Moses felt inadequate because of his speech impediment, yet he was used to lead the people. You were present when Alma and Amulek were taunted in prison, but they remained silent, and stood up for what was true. You guided Joseph in his decision to leave town with Mary, a very socially awkward situation. You gave David the physical fortitude to take on the giant. You allowed Joseph of Egypt to follow his heart in forgiving his brothers. 

When I resist you, please keep reminding me of your strength, and you are always there for me, physically, intellectually, morally, socially, emotionally, and most of all spiritually. 

The next time I cower, please give me “courage.”

Sincerely,

Your “mortal” friend