Courage

DOROTHY THOMPSON:
Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT:
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.

H. JACKSON BROWNE:
Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is.

HENRY JAMES:
Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.

JANE ADDAMS:
Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we often might win, by fearing to attempt.

MARILYN FERGUSON:
Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is a freedom.

SWEDISH PROVERB:
Worry gives a small thing a big shadow.

a dream

I walked through a forest alone and spent, yet slightly comforted by the quiet, gentle peace of nature. The great pines were crowded so densely together it seemed dusk at midday. Though I didn’t know where I was headed, I did not feel afraid, just exhausted and helpless. As I wandered toward my unknown destination I startled myself with the sound of twigs snapping beneath my feet. Eventually, I arrived at a small, murky brown pond, made beautiful only by the sharp reflection of the green foliage. The water was still as glass and dark, soothing as water can’t help but be. I sat on the dirt; despair doesn’t pay mind to the comforts of life; the earth was my friend. I found a stick and began to scratch markings beside me as I pulled my knees up to rest my chin. Sitting at the water’s edge, I gently touched it with the stick, sending mild yet far stretching ripples across the entire pond. I looked up and saw Jesus walking toward me. I tried to imagine what he would say. Would he scold me? Give me advice? There were no right words to fit the moment, no easy resolution to my heart’s dilemma. In my mind, I refused to open my heart to whatever he might say. Of course, he knew. He knew my heart better than I. He sat down beside me in the dirt, wrapped one arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his chest. We sat quietly without a single word. His actions said it all, “I love you and I am with you”. That’s all I could handle at that moment and he knew. He gave me all I could receive.

To the careless tongue

Who are you that you should meddle in my life?
You judge from a distance, your words cut like a knife.
You think you know me but haven’t a clue.
Why should I trust when juicy morsels you seek to chew?
Your lying tongue pleads innocent your case.
You try to justify, but the facts you can’t erase.
You’re oblivious to the wounds your gossip inflicts,
But hey I guess that’s how you like to get your kicks.
You of all people should have a tight reign on that tongue.
Your example to others...well, the damage has been done.
And, you crucify the innocent, slap on that scarlet letter.
Come on now _______ , you should know better.
I believe Jesus said
to do unto others...
Is this how you’d be treated
if you had your druthers?