Courage

No. That is not me. I’ve never had a burning desire to ride a surf board. You? But I do admire the fortitude and courage of those who paddle out beyond the first breaker, stand up on that slippery board, and ride to glory. The people in this photo are quite near the shore line, but there are several more much farther out in the ocean waiting for The Big wave. Courage. It takes courage for some people to get up in the morning, to face difficult decisions, to try new things…to change from the familiar to the untried. Especially today I think courage is required as women and men try to hammer out peace in the Middle East, to address border issues right here in our own country, to stand up for justice and fairness in the political arena and in the marketplace. Maybe you are aware of the need for courage in your average day. I remind you to let the life of Jesus be a guide map to courage. He had it, used it, and calls us to do the same when it comes to matters of human welfare.  Be strong and of good courage, for you are a child of God and a brother or sister to the Lord of our lives. May God, this day, strengthen your spirit and grant you courage to be the fullness of who you are. Amen.