what lies beneath? …..courage

When it comes to our inner lives there are things that no one knows but us. Not that we conceal them from the outside world; though to be sure, we intentionally hide some things— our failures, malicious intentions, lusts, and anything else that might eject us from the mainstream acceptability of our society. We harbor private thoughts; thoughts which we would rather no one learns.

But alongside those thoughts are the beginnings of greatness, seedlings that just need the right ingredients of opportunity, danger, and determination to flourish. Courage is one such planting. It lies dormant until it is needed. Then it manifests its demonstration in the oddest of people and in the most unlikely manners. But what lies beneath— courage!?!

Sometimes it is a deep conviction that I have seen something that no one else has seen and I have a responsibility to show it to the world. For others, it is a loyalty unto death that their cause is worth dying for. And thus they do. Not unexpectedly, the absolute, sustaining foundation for courage is LOVE. If you have love for someone, or something, you defend them with your life. Whether it be your comrades in arms on a battlefield, or your family in the safety of your home, or your little sister being attacked by bullies, you will rise to the occasion of defense because of courage…, based in your love for your buddies, your wife, husband, children, or siblings.

One who does not rise to defend that which he loves has no courage. And truly, truly, does not love properly. Genuine love does not express itself to gain something in return: courage might cost you your life, and it will be an act well offered. Actually, if you are a lover of men and a lover of God, courage is a natural expression that flows from within, deep within. So train your soul to love, and whatever courageous deed you are called upon to do will flow naturally from what lies beneath, deep, inside the core of your soul.

Have a nice week,

Gary