A Lesson in Courage

Developing Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis before reaching my third birthday meant that hospital visits, doctors and needles would be inevitably woven into my childhood memories. One particular doctor visit just before my sixth birthday stands out with pivotal clarity.

After spending an entire day of having doctors, nurses, and medical students poking & prodding me, I revolted in complete exasperation. I fussed and fumed, and I refused to cooperate. The disgruntled doctor swung around and sat down to face me straight in the eye. “Young man,” he retorted, “you have to have courage! Courage,” he said, “is resistance to fear. Courage enables you to master fear. Without it you will fail, but with it, you can fight the battles that lay ahead.” I straightened my back, dried my tears, and held out my arm. That day I learned the value of courage.

While courage does not come easily, its worth is inestimable. On my own, I do not possess enough might or courage to face the physical challenges still ahead. My strength and comfort continue to come from God who spoke to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

Courage and faith are my constant companions. Together they provide the stamina I need to confront an uncertain future. I agree with Victor Hugo who once said, “Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.”