By Rev. Deanna Woodward
Maple Leaf Parish
Fountain, Cherry Grove and Spring Valley
Faith United Methodist Churches
One of the things we ministers do is to provide spiritual support for people at crisis times in their lives. And so we witness human pain and problems, but we also have the privilege of witnessing incredible examples of faith, love, patience and courage.
Courage has several names: bravery, valor, fearlessness, audacity, chivalry, heroism, nerve… and a few nicknames: guts, grit, gristle, backbone, pluck, spunk. It’s another word for inner strength, presence of mind against odds, determination to hang in there, to venture, persevere and withstand hardship.
Courage is what motivates immigrants to look for a better life. It moves those with disabilities to reject pity and continue to meet life head-on. It enables the married couple to work out their differences and encourages the divorced person to face tomorrow. It upholds the young parent with kids in spite of a personal energy crisis. It inspires persons to serve their country and community, as well as to speak and act against injustice.
Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in the face of fear. It is seen on the battlefield and on the city streets, but it is also seen in the hospital bed and in the inner struggle between right and wrong.
The writer of the 27th Psalm asked, “With the Lord as my light, salvation and stronghold, whom shall I fear?” He slammed the door in fear’s face, declaring, “in spite of evildoers, adversaries and the possibility of war…my heart will not fear.” The 27th Psalm reminds us of God-given gifts offered to counteract fear: prayer, vision, God’s word, God’s protection, worship, rest and determination.
In over three decades of ministry I have encountered many heroes among seemingly ordinary folk. As I look at groups of parishioners, I see people who have gone through severe challenges and emerged with their faith and positive outlook intact. Although much of the focus these days seems to be on what divides people and on the bad actors in society, I have such admiration for the faith and courage with which so many face life’s challenges, especially during this present time of pandemic. So don’t give up. Be strong, and let your hearts take courage!