Courage

On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. Psalm 138:3

Courage is not always a matter of storming the enemy entrenchments in the face of deadly fire, although courage that most surely is. Sometimes courage is a matter of just "keeping on". With this kind of courage we are surrounded. There are the husbands and wives who have lost their life partners to death or divorce, who continue to be vital parts of the church and the community although they as individuals feel cropped of their most significant love and support. There are the victims of physical debilitation from either disease or age who continue to participate vigorously in the church, although physical movement is an increasing effort beyond the comprehension of those who are fit. There are those who grieve for loved ones whose mental or physical health is failing, but who maintain an unruffled countenance and bless us all with their good spirit and even-temperedness. There are those who have always made their way alone in the world, who as part of the church family inspire the rest of us with their vision of service and faith. There are those whose jobs have disappeared in this time of economic disaster, but who maintain the even keel of their family, church, and community life in spite of personal terror for the future. As the years of our lives increase, we can also appreciate those for whom just "turning up" at church events, not participating in leadership, is an act of courage, when because of their physical or mental or emotional condition it would be ever so much easier to just stay home (or not participate online, editor's note for 2020!). Our church is richer for all these quietly courageous folk. 

Prayer: Father in heaven, we ask your blessing on all for whom just being, not doing, is an act of courage that can stem only from their strength of soul and faith in you. We ask your forbearance for us when we forget that there are many ways of serving you - including quiet ones. Amen. 

Ruth Ann Lyness (reprinted from the Eastridge Daily Devotional book, 2008)