Day 14: Courage

Courage [kur-ij, kuhr-]: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear; have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism. (source)

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"I just don't get it." We sat each across from one another: me, on the love seat I'd sat on so many times before, and her, on the opposite side of the room on the couch, curled up with a hot cup of tea. The conversation had been friendly, but I could feel the tone of her voice. And as our eyes met, I'm pretty sure we were both aware we were crossing into unchartered territories. Her words, though she didn't know it at the time, they cut me.

We were talking about religion. More specifically, a not so great experience of one of my dearest friend's, growing up in a strict dogmatic Christian church. At this specific moment in time, I knew I believed in Jesus Christ, and I was pretty sure I was going to heaven. But seven years later, how I wish I had known where I would be sitting today. I would have spoken up. I would have had the necessary and tough conversation with her. I know how we stand with one another now, and she loves me regardless of our differences. But we know how God is with His timing. His plans.

She doesn't know it, but I think so often of that conversation. It has molded me in some ways. Until this year, I have stayed relatively silent in my walk with Christ. Often feeling like I've led two lives: one in awe of the love of Christ, and the other hiding my true identity and living in the world as if I was oblivious. In fact, it was this very discussion that has kept me from living the true life that I've been searching for. Not just this one instance, but so many over the years.

"I just don't get it."

"I just don't understand why you believe."

"I just don't like those Christians."

"Please don't tell me you're one of those."

"You're too _____ to be a Christian." (smart, intelligent, fun. You name it.)

Each time they were said, they stung more deeply and made me question. It's amazing what power words have.

But this silence I've maintained? It's hindered me from blessings. It's kept others from blessings. Because I was afraid.

This has been the driving force of this 31 days. It was time for me to step out of comfort and step into courage. The thing about courage, is that sometimes it's not there for you to grasp, to hold onto as you walk through the door of fear. But what you'll often find is that it's there waiting for you on the other side. It's not that we always need courage to get us through the hard things, but rather knowing that there is something better, something for the greater good of all waiting for us as we move through.

Where does this come into my Encourage Daily Campaign? Why courage to encourage? Because the courage gets us there. The hope of something better gives us courage. Without these two things: hope and courage, we are simply not able to be encouragers of others.

Friends, have courage. Have faith. THAT is what inspires us to encourage others.

xoxo, k.

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Last year, I had the honor of attending a women's conference in which Jill Briscoe was the keynote speaker. Y'all. That women has more knowledge in the tip of her pinky finger than any other person I've met. And with her wisdom came a Mighty love for Jesus, humor, and a little self-deprecation. Who can't relate to that? Today's post was inspired by what she taught. Thank you, Jill!