Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

cour·age ˈkərij/ noun

1. the ability to do something that frightens one.

2. strength in the face of pain or grief.

Strength has never been a difficult thing for me. I was raised by a single parent. My mother taught me how to be strong. The women in my family are fierce. Strength came easy, but courage was something different. I knew how to handle difficult situations. I knew how to manage my emotions. I knew how to "get over it," but courage was something different. Courage meant acknowledging my fear. It meant unpacking all the fear. It meant opening the closet and letting the skeletons fall out. It meant doing the hard work. Courage meant standing even though my knees were shaking. Courage meant to knock on the door. Courage meant to try "it" again. Courage meant knowing that no matter what it looked like God is with me. Courage meant my faith had to be bigger than my fears. I encourage you today to be strong and of good courage. God is with you.