Where will you find courage?
“Courage is found in unlikely places.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien
I love this quote from Tolkien. Courage is not always about running into a burning building or engaging on the battlefield. It’s more often in Tolkien’s “unlikely places.”
For example, these five unlikely places to find courage come to mind:
- Confessing a wrongdoing
- Speaking to that lonely-looking newcomer at church
- Telling your child “no”
- Delaying a gratifying purchase when it doesn’t fit the budget
- Moving across the country where you don’t know anyone
How many can you think of?
Yes, there are hundreds of everyday-life actions that take courage, and they are no less a victory when accomplished. When these situations cross my path, my plan is to look to the Lord and ask him for faith and grit. “En”-courage—en (in) + courage = inspire myself—with courage. Embolden myself. Grit.
Sometimes I fail to encourage myself, but even when I succeed, the situation often remains difficult. Psalm 94:22 reminds me: “But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.”
Know something else that’s hard?
You might not believe me, particularly after I told you in my last newsletter how excited I am about this, but releasing a book is scary. It’s like putting your newborn baby out there for the entire world to see and hope everyone doesn’t think it’s ugly. Haha!
I’m not showing you my “baby” just yet, but my e-book novelette House of Courage is available for pre-order on Amazon for $.99. The release is September 10. Exciting, but a little scary.
If you would like to pre-order, click here: House of Courage by Susan K. Beatty
In the meantime, look to the Lord for your courage in those “unlikely places.”
Thanks for hanging out with me today.
Talk to you soon.
Blessings,
Susy
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