Real Courage

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 244: Today, I am grateful for real courage.

"Real courage... It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what." -Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird

This quote really is insightful, isn't it? I read the book as an 8th grader in Miss Rosie Chalfants english class. I remember be taken back by the raw reality of injustice. Life is not always fair and bad things happen to good people. "To Kill A Mockingbird" reflects the good, the bad, the evil, the ugly and the hope that will not stay down, although it can take a beating. 

Courage in the face of injustice and insurmountable odds. Isn't that where the real adventure begins?

I cannot help but think of Jesus. So many times it appeared that the pharisees, sadducees and other church leaders  they had backed him into a corner. Jesus masterfully managed them every time. His knowledge of the scriptures and what was in their hearts meant Jesus could not be fooled. They tried again and again.

The night Jesus was taken from the Garden of Gethsemane... he went willingly... after healing one of the men who was there to take him prisoner. His character never wavered and neither did His mission. The beatings, the kangaroo court, the cross and the feelings of abandonment... I don't think we can even begin to imagine his suffering. His mission changed everything. His courage held and he accomplished what he was set out to do.

Be strong and courageous.” -Deuteronomy 31:6a

Today, I am grateful for real courage.