Living Courageously
Watching the French Open, one of the commentators said of the singles, French underdog “If she wants to win, she will have to continue to be courageous.” Spoiler alert: the world 361 ranked French underdog defeated the world 3 ranked American. The French woman demonstrated courage and was rewarded for it.
The commentator’s statement got me thinking. If any of us want to “win”, achieve dreams and accomplish goals, we have to stop fear from ruling us. We need to live courageously.
Fear
Fear stops so many of us because it disguises itself. We make excuses, saying life’s demands do not allow us to pursue this or that. Maybe we use finances as an excuse: “I do not have the money to do whatever.”
Fear can also take the form of insecurity. We doubt our abilities. On the flip side, fear can take the form of confidence; “I know I have the aptitude or ability but deep down success scares me. I feel like an imposter”.
How do we quiet the voice of fear so we can live courageously? Motivational speakers will encourage you to speak words of encouragement to yourself; write down “I believe” statements (mantras) that you speak out loud before you go to bed and when you wake up. Writing, seeing and hearing these positive, encouraging words helps rewire the brain to replace self-defeating talk that has lived there.
Many self-help books exist on the market with other tactics. What works for one person may not work for another. The key, I believe, is not only to desire something but to take actions in spite of the fear you feel. If one wants to live courageously, one must push past fear.
Wet blankets
I also believe we need to surround ourselves with people that encourage us. Eliminate “wet blankets”. A wet blanket is someone we share our dreams or goals with and who simply does not get it. I believe they do not intentionally mean to squelch our dreams. They question us, usually because of their own issues. Instead of trying to get it, they make us feel stupid for even desiring such a thing. They metaphorically throw a “wet blanket” on us, squelching our being and our dreams in the process.
Faith
Interestingly enough, God instructs us throughout the Bible to live courageously. In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses tells the Israelites before they enter the land God has promised them: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” David, in speaking to his son Solomon, says something similar: “Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord God is with you.”
When we trust and obey God, we will be victorious in spite of the obstacles that arise. We live with courage and we persevere. Our faith strengthens us and give us courage and confidence.
Aligning our hearts with God’s will for our lives, seeing ourselves they way God see us, the sky becomes our limit. For God’s grace is sufficient, His power made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Prayer
Heavenly Creator, help us to see ourselves as You see us. Fill us with confidence and courage. Help us to be disciplined and to take action to accomplish all that You desire for us. Increase our faith so that we trust you and Your supernatural power in our lives. For faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
(Hebrews 11:1)
