The Gift of Courage

**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**

    What a gift to give someone courage! So many people live in fear. Fear of failing in a performance, fear of rejection, fear of loss, fear of pain, fear of travel, fear of (fill in the blank). We all are fearful and we all know how paralyzing fear can be.

    We have all also received courage from another. He or she gives us courage to stand up in front of others, to love, to get on an airplane. He or she gives us courage to believe stepping forward in faith is worth it, no matter what that step brings forth.

    Courage is a gift we offer others. We tell them it is worth the risk, it is worth trying, it is worth living.

    As we offer courage as we know One who is with us and walks alongside us. No matter what happens, whether we perform and succeed or fail, whether we love and remain in love/get hurt, no matter what, God is with us.

    How can you offer someone courage today? How can you encourage someone to step out in faith, knowing that God is with them all the way?

**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**