Courage to Change
Barbara Howard of Lee’s Summit, MO, USA
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we[d] also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. -Romans 5:1-5
I have a friend who lives in constant danger in a small Central American country. He and the villagers where he lives are caught in the crossfire of armies. He described the care with which one of the village women kept her garden. “The garden could be ravaged by Jeeps or soldiers at any time, but she faithfully plants her vegetables, collects rainwater, cares for the tender seedlings. I watch her diligence in amazement. It is as though the garden is her statement of faith. I have never known courage like I have seen here.” People live each day in thanksgiving for life, family, and food, fully aware that the next day these may all be gone.
Lynne works as a peace activist. She has participated in several demonstrations and has been imprisoned at times for civil disobedience. Lynne finds courage in remembering the imprisonment of Christians, including early church leaders. Prison is difficult, but lacking the courage of conviction is unthinkable. She gains strength from the community of courageous women and men who risked in the past and her sisters and brothers who share her struggle today. Lynne’s letters from prison carry an amazing spirit of joy. “There is much ministry to be done here,” she wrote.
Some acts of courage seem incomprehensible-the risks beyond belief. Yet in each decision there is the promise of joy. Jesus’ commitment to life and ultimate crucifixion contained the seeds of resurrection-joy. Courage is the willingness to face each day wearing the armor of hope and conviction against life’s onslaughts. Like the rain’s dependable refreshment and cleansing, joy overflows in moments of courage. It restores us to face a new day.
Prayer Phrase
“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8)
Spiritual Practice
The Prayer of the Heart
Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
