Glenna Heller
From Victim to Victor
Something About Courage
Taking action in the face of fear. That is an area I am embracing each day, these days. A short while ago, I began a research project into the general topic of courage, and how it is that courage is linked to commitment if, in fact, there is such a link, and how faith comes into play. I’d like to share with you some of what I found out. Perhaps you’ve realized these things also.
- I found myself waiting until it was safe before I made a commitment. I found out that the universe doesn’t work that way. One must first step out in faith, and the commitment rushes in to meet that. One doesn’t wait for it all to work out first, then make the commitment. No. Matter of fact, waiting for it all to work out first attests to an absence of commitment.
- The nature of commitment led to a realization into the realm of faith. Faith is actually knowing. Not belief. I saw that we believe something when we don’t yet know it’s so. But once we know, then the transformation to faith has been made.
- Though I’ve not a great deal of evidence for this yet, I strongly suspect that we direct the show; not visa versa. The show doesn’t direct us. In other words, we human beings believe that there’s a perfect time to take action based on external circumstances. As in the stock market: Investors will ask, "Is this the right time?" I learned that any time is the right time, because we are the directors of the clock. The clock doesn’t direct our paths. A better question would be this: "Is my space sufficiently clear to receive? Or am I jammed to the point that I would unconsciously turn away from the gift?"
- And, finally, courage. George C Scott said it.
Superman wasn’t brave. You don’t need bravery if you’re Superman. The vulnerable – they are the brave ones…the ones who have the courage to face life every day without the aid of extraordinary powers.
Superman…invulnerable. As for the rest of us, at some point in our lives we take action in the face of fear, and find our courage along the way.
I’m engaged in this aspect of living.
Yikes!