Thoughts on Courage...

[NathanATX]

A new forum member inspired this message, and I want you all to hear it.
Peace,
Nate

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Thoughts on Courage

I don't feel I'm always very courageous. I usually get stuck because of not having the courage to believe how truly incredible, wonderful, etc., I am. I think that's where most of get stuck. We have moments of inspiration and vision, but we fail to believe that someone as frail, disadvantaged, flawed, etc., as we think we are... could ever show up that big on the stage of life.

I have to daily remind myself of God's love for me. And I don't mean the kind of patronizing, "oh that God would love a lowly creature like me" kind of love. I mean the intense, rapturous kind of love, where I know in every cell of my being that God adores me, believes in me, and delights in me. The kind of love that insists I quit looking at myself through the mirrors of evaluation, judgement, competition, etc., and that I instead look at my reflection in the eyes of my Creator.

This love obliterates fear.

When I am conscious of this love, I know that there is nothing to be anxious about, nothing to fear, no reason to worry.

...not about financial situations...
...not about people's perception of me...
...not about fearing God when I make a mistake...
...not about lonliness or lack in any form...
...not about sickness or even death...

When there is no fear, all there is... is God.

Remember, "God hasn't given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."

Remember, Jesus said, "I have come that you might have LIFE and have it more abundantly!" LIFE... truly living... authentically pursuing the purpose you were created with... and loving every minute of it.

Someone said, "Courage isn't not being afraid, it's acting even though you are afraid."

But I believe that courage is the ability to live each moment authentically knowing there is nothing to fear.

[Progo35]

This person is totally on target. This kind of rapturous love is, indeed, the kind of love that I feel God has for his creatures...we are loved and thus, we can love ourselves for who we are.

[Daniel]

Nate- Thanks for your message. You reminded me of the book: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, which I read some time ago. Good stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/Feel-Fear-Anyw.../dp/0449902927

[Gennee]

This is a wonderful message. This person has it right.

Gennee

[tdogg]

Originally Posted by Daniel

Nate- Thanks for your message. You reminded me of the book: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, which I read some time ago. Good stuff.
http://www.amazon.com/Feel-Fear-Anyw.../dp/0449902927

Thanks for the reference Daniel. Think I'll have to get this one!!