I am learning a lot about courage this week. Courage to take responsibility for one's actions, courage to live in truth, courage to be vulnerable. Courage to face things head on, courage to believe that God is bigger, courage to trust that He can do anything. Courage to stand up in front of thirty faces and open my mouth to speak about my passion. Courage to listen to someone confess heartache and regret. Courage to face the Winco grocery store with only a well-written list and the hope that I can feed many hungry students this weekend at our retreat. Courage to express my opinion when needed. Courage to say I'm sorry. Courage to fill out forms that make me anxious. Courage to open the mail. Courage to call my doctor and ask for pain meds when I haven't needed them in a while. Courage to face a teenager's birthday party rave. :) Courage to admit to someone that sometimes God doesn't take the struggle away and the courage to ask them, "What will you do if He doesn't?" Courage to get up it the morning anyway.

...fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.- Is. 41:10

"Fear is just an emotion."- M.T. 
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It was my goddaughter, Emily's, 13th birthday party on Saturday night.

It got a little crazy...a "rave" in the blacked out garage...