Archive for the ‘courage’ Category

Prayer Turns Fear to Courage

Monday, August 20th, 2007

Guideposts Magazine recently forwarded a padded envelope to me from reader named Beverly Heritage from

Carmichael, California.  Inside was a wonderful treasure.  It’s a small navy blue book Strength for Service to God and Country published by Abingdon-Cokesbury Press in 1942.  In its tissue thin, slightly yellowed pages are devotionals written for soldiers during World War II by ministers and notable religious writers of the time.  As I read through the pages I was struck by the fact that many of the writers referred back to their experiences during “the last World War” to encourage those in my own father’s generation who went into combat.

 

In browsing through the entries I found a snippet of a poem by Karle Wilson Baker that has this line:  “Courage is Fear That has said its prayers.”

 

I’m drawn to this quote because often we think that courage and fear are opposite states.  We think that fear makes courage impossible.  The truth of the matter is that fear is very natural.  It is actually a prudent response to threatening situations.  Prayer is the essential ingredient for facing and surviving overwhelming situations.  Prayer isn’t only the “God save me” cries sent heavenward.  It’s also the “God be with me!” pleas that help us walk through our darkest days.

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