Do you have any experiences with the Courage chapter to share? What action steps have you tried? What stories do you have about the need for courage in your life? What encouragement can you offer to other readers on the courage portion of their journey?
CLICK ON COMMENTS to share your thoughts.
CLICK ON THE TITLE "COURAGE" TO SEE EVERYONE'S COMMENTS.
Katie Brazelton & Shelley Leith
C0-Authors
24 comments:
My accountability partner and I are both seeing major growth as we work through the Character Makeover. I am working through it in order and she is going in her own order. God is so amazing that He has timed all of our experiences to coincide with whatever we are studying! I went on a ladies retreat while studying confidence and had an awesome experience watching the sunrise. God showed me something in scripture specifically for me that was like getting a bear hug! I spent two weeks on confidence because it seemed that I really needed to concentrate on it. I was feeling so much of a response from my own heart that I wanted to keep it going. I am on courage (for the second week) now and today found out that I need to have surgery. How good is God that He would have me in this study now when I need to be reminded that courage is not the absence of fear but strength to withstand fear!? My prayer is to see even more changes and character growth as I continue this study. My accountability partner also spent an extra week on one of her studies – patience. She said that at first she was worried that she was falling behind but then realized that God was working on something in her heart and she needed to let it happen. The object is not to fill in the blanks and get our “homework” done asap but to allow the tools we have been given an opportunity to do the necessary work. I am so excited about this study!!!! Thank you for the opportunity to give you feedback on the study and its effects on us. God bless you and your ministry!
I've been in a season for several months where fear (p. 104) grips me. Everyday, I must make a conscious decision to live for today and not worry (strangle myself - what an eye-opener) about the future.
p. 114-115 - I loved the creative solution God gave Susan about instituting a self-worth month. God is truly amazing. Also, Brittany's story on p. 116 about her commencement speech making headlines really touched me, too.
Fear can lead to premature aging? Thanks CM for the warning. That's all the en-couragement I need to evict my inner Pinocchio in a hurry. But all this vanity would be in vain since I fear getting attention where I'm scared people will see me make a mistake and oh dear, I'm afraid that just won't do. But I have the guts to blog the world about it and chuckle over it...except for my most daunting fear of all.
This last year has buried me under an avalanche of baffling losses and unexpected blows where digging myself out of past and finding the courage to climb the mountain that no longer feels safe has been rock-hard. But I think God scared the wits into me when he brought Lot's wife to mind. She turned into a pillar of salt...for looking back. That could be be me - frozen for life if I lose the courage to overcome my past. Like Geri, healing and forgiveness has happened and I have peace and even gratitude. Still, there are days when a flash from the past blinds me and it takes everything I have to step out into the dark, and face situations that make me vulnerable.
To keep me forward-thinking, I have written Philipppians 3:13 (4 translations) on an index card and have engraved the recurring theme in CM to relinquish self-consciousness on my heart. Now I know why love conquers fear - it draws you out of yourself - and what Jesus might have meant when he said , "give God what is God's" - like my future. It is safely in His hands, so I have nothing to fear. I walk in His power, protection, and provision (as we pray on page 131).
The Worry Worksheet on page 105 helped me to sort out the fears that roll around in my mind - the "what if's"...seen on paper they are not so overwhelming and they help me to see my need to trust God with my sometimes unfounded and imaginative fears. The "what if" something heppens to my children or husband...when seen in print I know that only God can control these things and I can trust Him to.
I started on the chapter of Self-Control. It’s the one character trait I am desperate to have a better handle on. Especially what comes out of my mouth. I can not believe how judgmental I have been. It takes time, but slowly I’m changing the way I say things to people and stop and pause before I say things that may hurt people. It’s funny because I have been noticing changes in all areas of my life because of it. My husband is closer to me, I respect people more and I feel better about myself.
Day 15 - Indwelled by God
Today’s chapter is about courage, something oddly enough, I do not have a problem with most of the time.
The author uses the biblical story of Esther to demonstrate courage. For those of you who may not be familiar with the story of Esther, here is the general idea.
Esther is chosen by the king to be his bride. The king is unaware that Esther is a Jew. Not long after the happy nuptials, Esther learns that Haman is plotting to kill all Jews because one Jewish man, Mordecai, (who by the way is Esther’s uncle) refuses to bow down to him.
Esther bravely appeals to the king, in a manner that was unacceptable in that day, and saves not only herself but her people. Her approaching the king in such a manner could have lead to death! I think this is one of the most amazing stories of the bible.
Imagine, learning of an evil plot, facing your fears and saving the day not only for yourself but an entire race. Envision being willing to die to stand up for what is right and what you believe.
When it comes to courage, I have big courage not small. Allow me to explain. (This is where more of the complicated and complex stuff comes in!)
I took the courage self-assessment test. This describes me:
Be myself, tell the truth and admit when I am wrong.
Defend my beliefs and do what’s right even if no one else does.
Put myself on the line for the sake of someone who is being wronged.
That is big courage. Now look at what is not me:
Be friendly and talk to someone I don’t know.
Reach out to someone who needs help.
That is little courage and to be honest, completely random! I will talk to you if you are with someone I know, but a random stranger on the street…NEVER.
I will reach out a hand to help someone, if I know you or you know someone I know, but a stranger, again…NEVER.
I will stand up and put myself on the line for someone being wronged, but I will not say hi to a stranger in the grocery store! Let me translate the previous sentence for you:
If it is not big enough or grand enough, I am not going to bother, because if it is not big or grand, no one will pay attention to me.
No one that is except God.
He is always watching.
So at the end of this chapter, I ask myself this:
Is it really courage if you only have it when someone is watching?
Nellie ;~)
Day 16 - Fear: Exposing Your Inner Pinocchio
Today’s lesson speaks of the flip side of courage…fear. According to today’s lesson there are three companions to fear. They are worry, anxiety, and lying.
Worry is something I have always done. I come from a long line of worriers. I cannot even begin to tell you how many carpets I have wore thin from pacing, or how many layers of skin I have removed from my hands from all the hand ringing. Worry is my constant companion.
When worry comes riding up on their valiant steed, there are three questions I should ask myself:
1. What exactly am I worried about?
2. What is the worst that can happen?
3. What are the chances that this will ever occur?
There are many times when worry consumes me so much, that my answers would be:
1. Everything
2. I loose everything and life comes to an end.
3. For me, 100 percent.
A little dramatic don’t you think? I thought so too. Worries like that. Once it grabs hold, it grows and grows!
Anxiety is another constant companion of mine. In fact, worry, anxiety and I are the Three Musketeers, together until the end!!!
When anxiety pulls up into the drive and rings my doorbell, I am to ask myself:
1. What is out of my control that is making me feel anxious?
2. What is the worst that can happen?
3. How can I let God take control of everything else?
These are often my answers, especially when worry is hanging out with us.
1. Everything from my job to my frizzy hair.
2. Life turns into a downward spiral, the world blows up and it is all my fault!
3. Why on earth would I let God take control? He is busy with big stuff like world hunger, disease, and battling evil. He’s got no time for this! Thanks, but no thanks God, I’ve got this one!
Do you see just how worry and anxiety work together for me?
The third thing is lying. Amazingly enough, I do not have this problem. I learned very early how the truth leads to less trouble.
Praise God! There is something in this book I do NOT have a problem with!
After going through all this, we begin to tackle fears. We are to list three of our biggest fears and choose verses that go along with these fears. Here are mine with scripture that I thought would fit:
1. Fear of danger. Job 13:14
2. Fear of abandonment. Revelations 3:12
3. Fear of failure. 1 Peter 5:10
I am going to be honest. I am tired of being one of the Three Musketeers! I don’t think I want to be friends with worry and anxiety any more! They don’t play nice and they are always whispering behind my back!
Very few of my worries or anxieties have ever come to pass, and those few that did, well I am still alive to tell you about it and I made it through just fine. In fact I am a better person for it!
What I need to do is take God out of the box. My God may have to deal with world hunger, disease, and fighting evil, but my God is big enough to handle that as well as my fear of rejection or failure, or abandonment, or dry frizzy hair.
My God is big enough to stop and listen to me when I cry HELP and is big enough to handle my problems along with all the other things He needs to do.
My God is big and mighty and there is nothing too big or too small for Him!
When it seems life is spinning out of control, I need to stop, look up and know that God is already ahead of me, and He’s got me covered.
I think I am going to let worry and anxiety find some new friends because I really don’t need them any more!
Nellie ;~)
Day 17 - How to be daring
In today’s lesson we talked about four types of courage.
Courage for a cause:
This type of courage is found in those who are passionate about helping others. They are the people we see doing the right thing when no one else wants to do it. I really admire this type of courage. I have recently come across various people within the ministry who have this type of courage and to be honest I envy them!
These people know their calling and passion and they work night and day for that passion. I long to be able to find my place in ministry where I can reach and out touch the lives of others. I want nothing more then to help those around me. However, I have yet to find my place. God has something for me and in His time he will reveal it to me. For now, I will be content here, writing, being the “internet missionary” if you will.
Courage to make peace:
This type of courage is found in those to take steps toward reconciliation. Solving conflict is what is most important in this type of courage.
I believe only very special people possess this kind of courage, but we should all strive for it. Most of us do not care about making peace. When conflict arises almost all of us jump into the fire with both feet, not caring about being burned.
I long for peace. Peace for the world, peace with myself, and peace with God. I yearn for peace to surround everything I do. HOWEVER, I usually and the first one to jump into the fire of conflict and you can often hear me yelling for you to join me in the flames. Why do I do it you ask? I have no clue. Life long learned behaviors are hard to let go.
Courage to tell the truth:
This is the type of courage exhibited by those who stand up and speak the truth or displaying truth behavior even when unpopular.
I have no problems telling the truth or speaking my mind for that matter. My mouth is as big as the ocean is deep. If you have been following along with me on this study or with any of my blog listings, you can plainly read my open story. No shame to my game… I tell it like it is! TO A FAULT. Speaking the truth comes easy to me. Shutting up is my problem. Do you think being quiet is an act of courage???
Courage to take risks:
This is stepping out on a limb and going for the gold! This kind of courage is where I walk the fence. I am usually afraid to take risks until I have had my fill. When I get to the point where I have cried so much my eyes have swollen shut, all my hair is gone, but one strand, and my voice is gone from screaming…THEN I am courageous enough to take risks. Why must I go through all that first??? Only God knows! As the saying goes “you have nothing to fear but fear itself” Knowing this, I sit and wait, until I am a women on the edge, then I turn into the Amazon Warrior Women and then honey…look out! I am like a freight train.
(If you have been following me on my journey, have you noticed how extreme I am?)
At the end of the chapter, we are asked to pray about each area of courage and write down what God lays on our heart. Here is what I am feeling.
Courage for a cause: I am to continue to pray for direction and guidance in this area. I am to ask for God to show me where I can be of the most value. I feel that he may have already lead me to my calling, however, I have been too blind to see it. I believe He will only show me when I am willing to see.
Courage to make peace: I need to make peace first and foremost in all areas of my life. Think first, act later.
Courage to tell the truth: God laid on my heart to keep on keeping on. To continue to walk in truth and encourage others to do the same.
Courage to take risks: I need to not fear the risk and not wait to the point of frustration and exhaustion to take the risk. I can almost here Him whisper “go ahead, I’m with you”
Nellie ;~)
Day 18 - Your Courage Coach
Today’s lesson is about courage to get over the past. My past has been a colorful one I will admit, however, I embrace my past. Do not mistake, I am not proud of it by any means, however I am who I am today because of it. My life is where it is today because of it. How can I be happy now if I don’t embrace the past? My past is what brought me to Christ.
There were a series of questions that where asked to see how well I was coping with my past. Some of which I could answer and some of them, I really had no answer for, or at least it was a brief short answer.
When asked about what in my past could God use to show His unlimited grace and mercy my answer was my entire life. Before I came to know Christ, life was a mess to say the very least. I could type a few pages to this question alone. However, I will not. If you flip through my blog, you will see my testimony is quite lengthy. If God were ever pushed to His limits and about to loose all patience, I’m sure I would have been a big part of that!
Since I embrace my past, this chapter was not one I can write a whole lot about, however, it has given me a few ideas that I am going to pray about, and I would love to hear any responses to these ideas.
Idea number one.
One question that was asked is if there was any unconfused sin in my life. Good question, but to be honest, I don’t know. I think I have confessed it all, but how can one really be sure.
To help me think on this, at least for the rest of this book, I will carry around a confession journal. As I go through my daily routine and during prayer and meditation I will write down all sin that comes to mind. This way I will remember the sin and be sure to confess and pray about it. Sounds a bit corny I know, but I think better on paper.
Idea number two.
This one is my favorite. I would like to take my sorrows and pain and turn it into a ministry. I am just not sure what kind…yet. I want it to be something unique. I don’t want it to be your typical 12 step kind of program. Nor do I want it to be a let us sit around and talk about it kind of program.
I am going to pray about this and really give this some thought. I really feel that somehow my past holds a wonderful ministry! I hope to come up with something soon.
Nellie ;~)
Day 19 - Steps to Courage
Today is day 19 and also Friday which means it’s time to pick some action steps from a list for the next week. Here is what I chose:
I will make a change.
I will join a cause.
I will start a ministry.
At this time I do not have much to write about any of these things. I must pray that God gives me guidance and shows me where to take these actions.
This weekend, I will write all about my actions from the previous weeks and what I have been doing with those. Hopefully, but then I will be able to tell you some ideas for these action plans.
Until then…
Nellie ;~)
Day 20 and 21
I thought that I would take the time to tell you about all the action steps and how well those are going. When a week is over I still try to continue to use all the action steps from previous weeks.
1. I will study God. I just joined a bible study with some wonderful ladies from church on the book of Daniel. Prophecy is something I tend to avoid, so I am grateful for the opportunity to study and learn and conquer fears.
2. I will hunt for God. I have really seen Him at work in my marriage, something that was already wonderful has turned extraordinary. Oddly enough I have seen Him at work in my inbox. I do a lot of email correspondence and I noticed that my writing has been more God centered and really feel that He is leading me in my responses.
3. I wills stop trying so hard to be perfect….oops, some habits just really hang on. However, I have found myself at least admitting to my limitations and not beating myself up during those imperfect moments. That’s a start right?
4. I will not boast. I have thought back and cannot really think of anything I have boasted about other then the Lord.
5. I will check my motives. So far nothing has come up where I could possibly have an ulterior motive.
6. I will be an encourager. This one I think I have worked on the hardest. I have been really trying to look for ways to encourage people. I am sure if I thought about it I have missed some opportunities, but I am really enjoying this one.
7. I will be a helper. This one is interesting. I had a situation come up where I tried to help resolve a conflict, At first it backfired horribly, however with persistence and prayer, it worked out and all of us are much happier!
8. I will lighten up. I have been trying to see the humor and the good in everything. I will admit when my helping issue started to backfire, I got a little ill (to say the least) but in the end I was able to see that even though it got ugly before it got better, it was perfect the way it all laid out. I really learned through that situation that sometimes negative can be positive. I have found myself laughing more and not being annoyed at some of the things that used to annoy me.
I really wish I could give some specific examples, however I try to respect others privacy when I write. Maybe I will take this a step further and seek areas that I can openly share about.
There are a few things going on right now that I am not sure if they are in direct link to the book, but thought I would mention because God is working.
I really felt it laid on my heart to simplify. I have always been one to keep my house fairly neat and clean, however I have taken the time to clean out every square inch of my home, removing clutter and unused items. I am taking life down to the basics. Next weekend, I am going to have a yard sale to remove these items from my home and use the money to pay off a bill!
I went and got a no fuss hair cut. A few pinches and pulls here and there and it is done! I love it!
I have been putting less emphasis on make-up. I would like to clarify something with this. I am giving up make-up. Truth be told I like wearing it and have fun putting it on. I have noticed something about myself and makeup. I have only one face but a lot of makeup. Here is where the problem lies with that.
1. It is expensive. I don’t buy cheap makeup. My face is sensitive so I buy a specific brand which is not cheap.
2. When I feel unhappy with myself, I look to quick fixes such as makeup. I must really learn to accept who I am. It is the only way true and lasting change can ever take place.
Nellie ;~)
Character Makeover Week Three Action Steps Update…
For week three I chose the following action steps:
1. I will make a change.
2. I will join a cause.
3. I will start a ministry.
I have really been working on change. Changing the world? Perhaps not. Changes within my world? Absolutely. I have completed my task of clearing out all excess items from my home. I have brought life back to basics.
I have been working on getting my finances in order. I am doing my part in going green by eliminating bills, which eliminates statements.
I also changed my hair color, which anyone who knows me will tell you that is not change, that’s expected.
I have picked a cause I would really like to join, but have not gotten the courage to get involved yet. This particular cause would cause me to battle my own personal demons. Choosing this particular cause is a t least a step in that direction. Who knows, maybe by the next update, I will tell you I joined!
Ministry. Many people have said that by blog site is it. Others have said if it is not it, it should be somewhere in the field of writing. I am still trying to figure out where I can be of help.
Until next time….
Nellie
I am immobilized. Stepping forward from where I am makes me freeze and yet I never feel content here. I pray for courage...pray courage for me...the words I write in my books are God's gifts to me and they are also meant for others to read and enjoy.
I really value the chapter on courage. It takes courage to address the things in our lives that need to change and we only see the first step. God is faithful to us in each step.
Katie, Thank you for a wonderful book I have struggled in this area for a long time
Bonnie DeVries
I took some time and read through a lot of these blogs wow I am not alone fear graps me so often, I at times would like to run and hide but why I believe these negative thoughts stop me from heading down the right path. I don't know how much more time God has for me on this earth so I better turn it around and start to listen and seek him, I want him to say good and faithful servant and seek him with all my heart.
Thank you for speaking so honestly about events and true feelings
Blessings to you
Bonnie D
Courage - think of Esther with her famous line "if I perish, I perish." Don'tyou wish you could say that. Well we know we can when we put our faith and trust in Jesus. But like Esther she prepared herself. What do you need to do to be courageous for your walk with Jesus? This chapter sure helps to define it.
Mark 6 helps me reduce my stress when I:
#5 Face the Problem (or opportunity)
Once I am past the fear induced procrastination (causing me to avoid the problem in the first place), and I have taken ownership of my problem (recognizing I won't be handed more than I can handle), then I can:
#8 Organize and coordinate working out it's solution without overworking myself.
When I know what needs to be done by when, it's easier to spread out the workload by myself or with the help of others.
Collectively these principles help reduce my stress; but when I become overanxious from my fear of failure, then:
#10 I need to remember Jesus cares deeply about me and my stress level.
I need to increase having my eyes open to see him to reclaim my peace and serenity.
I loved reading about Esther in the section on courage. I often think that we miss the opportunities to change a culture by being Esther's just because we don't think we can step out...only people in Old Testament days did that!
But God has called me to do that today. I have sensed him asking me to meditate specifically on Joshua 1 and specifically Joshua 1:6-9. God says to Joshua to be strong and courageous...and to be strong and VERY courageous. But then they key, is to meditate on the Words of God and not let them depart of his heart/mind. Because THEN he will prosper and THEN he will possess the land!
So, we need to do our part in keeping our eyes focused on God and hungering for Him...but then our eyes see the complete and utter glory and power of God and we can be strong and courageous.
Thank you so much for challenging us to be Women of Great Courage!
I think courage is so much easier to talk about than live out. I have found in our struggles with our rebellious son it is easy to pray, hard to take steps of action that we believe are best to take. It is easier to hope the Lord will change his heart than for us to set boundaries to work with the Lord to accomplish this. Courage is facing the fears of the "what ifs" and step out to do what you believe God want to come alongside you and do. I currently wrestle with this the Lord brings to mind the Israelites crossing the Jordon. They had to step into the deep waters that could sweep them away before God parted those waters. So, whatever your Jordon, you know mine, lets pray together and take a step.
I knew I needed to talk to someone who had mistreated another person. My thought was I would just leave a note for them to read. However I had just finished the chaper on courage and thought no I need to talk face to face. So I did and afterward I felt like I had a Victory.
Theresa Oja
I'm a day late, but as always-- day 3 never disappoints with a major challenge to how I respond to anything and this week- since it's courage and dealing with failures I got to enjoy having an area of my work-risk assessments- deemed 'unsuitable' by the inspectors because I'd missed out a specific assessment for 3-5 year olds. Fail.
I really don't do failure well, but with what I've been praying through this week, and continuing in what I learned last week, which could be summed up as 'stop lying'...I felt much more equipped to handle it and deal with it like a big girl.
I've been trying to sort out my devotional life for a while now, and this has really boosted my discipline in setting aside time to be with God and look at what's happening in my life rather than simply trying to respond without a plan or foundation.
I've been enjoying Nichole Nordeman's song 'Gratitude'-- I've found it really speaks to where I'm at in terms of approaching situations that I feel are out of my control, which were causing fear and worry and a defeatist attitude, but I feel like I have more courage and more confidence to agree with the lyrics--
"Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case ...
We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You..."
I feel like I'm winning the battles, but am still a ways from winning the war.
I was really touched by what Stacey shared and how honest she was about her struggle with fear. I also battle fear but it used to be much worse a few years back than it is now. All thanks be to God for that! Fear and worry can keep you completely stuck and thats exactly what the enemy wants. I found journaling to help a lot because I could go back and see small victories to gain confidence to take another scary step in faith. I really like the worry sheet idea because it's got to get out of your head and go somewhere in order to feel less worry & fear. I find the more time I make for God each day the more I learn and think about him and the less I get consumed with fear and worry.
Examining myself using the tools in this book has helped me discern God's voice in each particular area. I have come to realize that I need courage to share what I am learning in my life. This past year has been one of major spiritual refining in me and I've been passionate to share what God is teaching and revealing to me. Unfortunately, not everyone in my life is ready to hear the lessons I've learned. Some feel defensive about where they are spiritually and it's caused me to feel badly about my growth. While I need to make sure I'm using humility to share what God is teaching me, (yes, I've read THAT chapter several times!!), I also don't want to put a lid on the passion I have for others to know the same things. It may look different in their lives but not everyone has a teachable spirit or is in the same place I was when God began working on me. It's so interesting to me how all the Character Traits are linked as well. In order to share you have to have courage, do it with humility, be confident in your yourself, patient with the progress in others and yourself, persevere through the lessons and use self control at times, be generous with others and content where you're at. I can see a clear theme coming together in my life for the direction I feel God is leading me. Thanks for this resource, at just the right time in my life. May God continue to use your gifted writings to point other women to God and help us be the best "me" we can.!! Praise God
Post a Comment