I have thought a lot about courage lately. What does courage look in my own life? Do I have the courage to do hard things? Will I let fear stop me from walking in faith to do things I know God has directed me to? How can I display courage even when I don’t feel one ounce of it? These are just some of the questions that roll around my head on a daily basis.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear. - Franklin D Roosevelt
I’ve heard variations of the quote above. It has been quoted in movies, books, and tv shows by many people wanting to express to the person they are speaking to that courage isn’t a fearless act, it is intentionally doing something with fear ever present.
Taking leaps of faith into the unknown of what today (or tomorrow) holds requires a certain level of courage and faith. I know I’ve taken many steps in faith with as much courage as I can possibly find only to realize that fear is right at my heels nipping and sometimes clawing to keep me from moving forward.
If I am honest, I don’t feel courageous when I know that fear is right there.
However, I recognize that if I don’t move forward in faith, I will stay paralyzed in fear. If I let fear paralyze me instead of walking forward with some courage, then I’ve lost more than the opportunity I was meant to experience. I also recognize and believe as the quote says that even though fear is there, something is greater than that fear and I can be courageous enough to move forward.
For me, courage is doing something even if it means I am still unbelievably fearful. Here’s a recent example: I’m not a fan of flying anymore and I don’t like flying alone. The turbulence on most flights can send me into a panic attack. I knew this when I was asked to go on a missions trip overseas this past January. The last flight I had been on was with my brother and it was the smoothest flight I’d taken in many years. The fear of flying started well over 15 years ago and has continually gotten more intense. I knew that flying overseas was going to be hard. The first flight we were on the turbulence was intense. So much so my watch was telling me my heart rate was up too high for not exercising! No kidding, I know why my heart rate was too high! The turbulence was intense. I was fearful but, I got on the next flight. Which proved to be turbulent the first six hours of the flight. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep much on that flight!
If I had let my fear keep me from flying, I would have missed out on a beautiful trip and creating memories with friends who are like family. I know that there is something greater than my fear. My faith is greater than my fear and it gives me the courage to make decisions that may seem scary and hard.
I chose my faith and courage in spite the fear.
The example above is just one of the many ways I have to intentionally choose courage even though fear is still there.
How do you choose courage in spite of fear? I’d love to hear your thoughts!