Courage

Our group recently had a meeting (the second to last one!!) and one word really came to mind, thanks to Calder, when I think about where we are as a group...courage; that sense of purpose that is the backbone of any tough endeavor. Courage is in the mind and the spirit and enables us to do things that we would not normally do. An example of this is when we share with each other our life story. These depictions usually include how we became a Christian and also our upbringing with family and friends. There are times and seasons in everyone's life they may not be particularly proud of, and when you share that with others it takes a lot of courage because you do not know how the listener(s) will respond/think. But, on the bright side, letting others inside to know you on a deeper level is the laminin (A shout out to Louie Giglio, Google it) of a great relationship. I have to say, that this group has God's blessings all over it and the bonds between us are ever growing.

Another type of courage can be in the form of endurance during a long and an endearing task (such as raising $28,000 for an overseas trip in the span of five months!). I will admit it, the idea of raising 2500$ dollars a person in a couple of months seemed like the ultimate mountain to climb and I knew only through God could that mountain be climbed. With that mindset, our group waited patiently each day for new members to join our support team and give their prayers and/or money. As these last days before our trip conclude, there are two verses that I think are fitting because of the depiction of trust and love between us and our Holy Father...

Isaiah 40:28-31
"...He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding. (29) He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. (30) Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, (31) but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint."

Matthew 6:33-34
"But first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. (34) Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

These two verses really depict an amazing concept. A concept full of love, reassurance and guidance that can revive you and take you places you have never been before. Now I know the Bible says faith is proof of the unseen but the more I reflect on the status of the group and where we are going, I see a lot of God.