This year we are starting a new guest post series about courage. What is courage? What does it look like? What does it feel like? How does one live with courage? Starting today and all throughout this year, we are collecting stories about courage from you, our readers. Olive and I will share a few stories of our own as well.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela
What I think Nelson Mandela means is that people who are courageous are not unafraid, but they are people who have decided that they will take action in the midst of their fear because they believe something else is more important than their fear.
I believe courage can be learned and that it needs to be practiced. I also believe that courage is essential to live life fully: in marriage, in parenting, in work, and in all areas of life. Every person has fears, and all too often we can let those fears control our choices and limit what we do.
Courage is our word for 2013. Both Olive and I believe that we are to practice living courageously this year.
Please consider sharing your story of courage with us and with those who read this blog. Dare to be vulnerable and honest. Tell us about your fear and how you were able to take action in the midst of fear. Maybe it was sharing about a struggle you’ve had with someone you trust. Maybe it was asking for forgiveness from someone you hurt. Maybe it was speaking in public for the first time. Maybe it was quitting your job to start a new business or pursue your dream.
We want to read your story of courage. Email us and let your story inspire others to live courageously. (Alternatively, you can also guest post for our “What I Learned” series.)
If you need some inspiration, watch this video of a grade 4 girl’s very first ski jump.
[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/ebtGRvP3ILg”]photo credit: AshtonPal