Sitting at my desk I picked up a card I got a few years ago from a friend. He had a card made from a photograph he took in Dallas. I loved the reminder of how important courage is in life. A few weeks ago Darren said in worship: “I hope we will live the next 165 years with courage.” Amen. Amen. Amen.
When I was in college, the chaplain Emerson Abts, gave money to his seminary to establish a scholarship to (as he said) “encourage courage.”
Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid. Courage means willing to step out in faith and tell the truth, even when you are scared (when your voice shakes).
Advent, the drama and light of this season, is an encouragement to live with courage. To be reminded as we sing Christmas Carols our voices are not alone, but we are here for each other, in harmony.
There are people in your life, both presently and those who have gone before, who lived with courage. They spoke the truth even when their voices shook. Remember them. Tell people about them. Tell me about them. I’d love to hear your stories.
Keep tellin’ the Story,
Rev. Mike Mather
Here’s a lovely rendition of Rutter’s Candlelight Carol to encourage your courage.