I always said I’d celebrate my 50th birthday by getting a tattoo. But 50 came and went, and I didn’t get that tattoo after all. I was too scared. Scared of what people might think since I don’t exactly look like the tattoo type. Scared it would hurt too much and scared I’d regret it later.
But a friend’s tattoo keeps catching my eye. It says:
“Courage, dear heart.”
“Courage, dear heart.” The words speak to me because I may look brave on the outside, but on the inside I’m a chicken. I mean what woman is too scared to even get a tattoo? When I see the words on my friend’s arm, I remember all the times I’ve felt fear. Fear that would have paralyzed me had God not kept me moving forward.
God gave me Courage to do things afraid:
I was scared to death to get on a plane from Texas to Istanbul when I was 24. Even more scared when I arrived at my new Turkish home with people I could barely talk to.
When I could hardly walk at age 27 and the doctor said, “Rheumatoid arthritis,” I was terrified…
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Hi Friend! Enjoyed your words as usual. 🙂
Thank you, dear Katie.
Ok, Courage for the Hard things…especially the things Jesus requires us to do…
I can’t wait to finish reading this testimony, heading over there, Betsy.
God Bless
Thanks so much, Ifeoma. You are one courageous woman!
Such an intriguing post! Headed over to Rachel’s now!
Betsy,
Loved how you pointed out, from personal experience, that bravery is not the absence of fear…it’s stepping forward in spite of it. Oh that we would all take heart that in all circumstances God goes with us and that in and of itself is the love that drives out fear.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Hey there, Bev. I think you are one brave woman yourself. Let’s rest in that perfect love. <3
Your words encourage my too often fearful heart. You have lived a very brave life, Betsy. Thank you for sharing your testimony of God by your side each bold step. ((Hugs))
Thanks, Crystal. Glad if this encouraged you! But I’m not particularly brave, not at all. 🙂 It’s all God.
He is risen indeed!
Have a wonderful Easter celebration, Betsy …