Courage, pass it on.

“Courage” the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, & withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. The daily outworking of this is both small and large.

The more we draw on our own courage the easier it is to pass it on (or give it away). Equally empowering both the giver and the receiver.

Encouragement is the simple act of giving away our courage. Our courage inspires, it impacts and it never goes unnoticed. Courage has had a front-row seat in the past year.

Courage to face our own mental health.

Courage to stand up for Black Lives Matter.

Courage to continuously transition.

Courage to vote.

Courage to educate ourselves.

Courage to stop Asian hate.

Courage to admit our own wrongs and ignorances.

Courage to heal.

Courage to keep trying.

Yet in this past year as we’ve clung to each other’s courage our most empowering moments are often when we give it away; when we choose to encourage. I believe our most influential move is to give it away.

Encouraging with daily 7 pm cheering.

Encouraging by marching.

Encouraging by crying together.

Encouraging by social distancing.

Encouraging with drive-by parties.

Encouraging with online book clubs.

Encouraging with viral videos that bring good news.

Encouraging by feeding hospital staff.

Encouraging to stand up with our brothers and sisters.

Encouraging by choosing to steward our own mental health.

Your courage is encouraging. 

When we spend time building & empowering the courage within ourselves, we silently encourage those around us.  As we rise within ourselves to persevere through our pain, fear, and difficulty others will watch.  

Encouragement is the simple act of giving away your courage. Pass it on.