Courage…

…is defined as the ability to conquer fear or despair (Merriam-Webster dictionary).   Courage is demonstrated by folks who stare fear in the face, like the men and women of our Armed Forces fighting for mine and other’s freedom; or the first responders who rescue folks from auto accidents, burning buildings, or other tragedies; or law enforcement officers who face danger in protecting us from folks who choose to break the law or offend others.  And, while not to discount any of those folks, after all my dearest friend is a deputy, there are many “average” people who demonstrate courage, too.  Actually, I have been praying for two women who are two of the most courageous women I have ever known.  These women are friends, not really close friends, but women that I have shared some very fun and memorable times with.  They both have two things in common:  (1) they are both mothers and (2) their lives are being impacted by cancer.  One of them is a mother who is losing her young adult child to cancer.  The other is battling this horrific disease herself.  Each and every time I have a personal encounter with these ladies I am reminded just how brave and courageous they are.  Actually, I’m pretty certain they demonstrate more bravery than John Wayne tried to portray in “True Grit” – these two women should have their photos by the words “brave” and “courage” in the dictionary – in my opinion, of course! 

So, as I approach my evening “quiet time” this evening I am focused on these two women.  I am grateful for them enriching my life and sharing theirs with mine.  And, I pray, fervently, that the will remain brave and have courage as they continue to put one foot in front of the other in this journey they are on.  I pray on the verse Isaiah 40:31 “but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”, that they will continue to not be weary and feel God’s arms around them as they courageously face their journey.