I attended an event as part of my preparation for Easter. The word ‘courage’ was mentioned directly to me, and it made an impression. It was still on my mind when I heard it a second time just three days later at another event. That got my attention. I hadn’t really considered ‘courage’ spiritually or had it surface in my prayer, but it is there now. And though I do not know where, when, or how courage of spirit will work in me, I’m finding the idea of it to be transforming. I am comforted by the thought of faithful courage and am eager to step into this Easter season of discovery and encounter.
For weeks, our spiritual focus has been on forgiveness, surrender, sacrifice, and deeper prayer. These notions are elements of our Lenten focus, and they and many others are crucial to our discernment of spirit, our faith, and our healing. But now, we are grateful to be enveloped in the joy, hope, and new life of the Risen Christ. We eagerly seek the victorious light of Christ to carry as we continue to walk strengthened in this renewed faith. Though we are unsure of what is ahead, having courage in the Resurrection invites us on a new and hopeful path.
When I think of courage, I generally think of courageous acts or courageous people. But now I am praying for the awareness to be courageous in spirit and wonder what that will look like for me. Courage in faith? Courage in trust? Courage to journey forward? Will I recognize the opportunities to find courage in the Lord? I am thankful to have this new prayer to help me be more mindful and open in this Easter season of light and love. Joy and renewal are ours to embrace, especially this season, and the Resurrection of the Lord is a place of courage for all of us.
Journeying to Grace 