Having Tough Faith And Keeping On
Courage has a Latin root word, cor, which means heart. Courage is the state of mind and spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, doubt and obstacles with self-possession, confidence and determination. Courage is tough faith–and you may be needing that right now.
There are examples of courage all around us: The relative who is facing illness or pain with fortitude; the friend going through tough times but still smiling; or, the coworker who is dealing with a crisis but still is being a good worker and showing concern for others. Those can inspire us when we have problems. Sometimes they can add to our feelings that we are failures in dealing with our own situations.
You may be ashamed to be overwhelmed by a problem you know you have brought on yourself–and that others seem to have avoided. You may think others would have more success than you are having in dealing with the problem once and for all. You may feel others are judging you and your situation negatively or that they would if they knew about it. It is during those times of self-doubt and self-disgust that courage is needed the most. However, your courage has to be combined with positive actions that move you forward to success. Having confidence without doing anything worthwhile to create improvement isn’t courage, it’s carelessness.
If you are dealing with an issue in which you can make a difference in even a tiny part of it, you can effect all of it positively. But you must do something that improves the situation–and keeping doing it. It may take the most courage to keep going when big improvements don’t happen quickly. The biggest test of your fortitude may be when it seems the slightest relaxation in your efforts puts you back twenty steps. If you’re talking about breaking a bad habit–and I’ll bet you are!–you will probably always have to be vigilant.
Take heart! Tough faith will help you achieve your goals. It can replace doubt and intimidation and give you a stronger sense of self-discipline. And, your courage will increase as you demonstrate it and see results. So, keeping on keeping on is the key ingredient for nurturing the faith and commitment you need to continue improving.
You have an infinite supply of tough faith available in your mind and heart. Combine it with positive action to achieve your goals. You can do it!
Well said, Tina. My personal experience has been that God gives courage and strength that self-determination alone cannot provide. However, you said that one must do something to improve the situation not just sit and wait. One of the first things to do is to pray for strength, wisdom and Divine guidance to do the right things in tough times. I pray that your thoughts will help many take the correct steps toward those actions.
Comment by Don R. | August 11, 2009
Thank you for this!
Comment by TeacherMom | August 12, 2009
I love the brave little robin and the pep talk!
Comment by denisek | August 12, 2009
Great blog topic! Thanks for the insight.
Comment by Jennifer | August 13, 2009
Good thoughts, and I agree with Don, who said God can provide courage and strength we lack. I was taken with your statement about courage needed the most in times of self-disgust and doubt. I counsel many people who can’t get over feeling disappointed in themselves. I try to bring them to the awareness that they shouldn’t be more critical than God, and God is willing to forgive them and help them change. I also agree with denisek who liked the brave little robin on the big boot!
Comment by Tom W. | August 15, 2009
Tina says: Thank you Tom for commenting. I sent you an email and also sent the church security material you requested. Please visit and comment again! Tina
Comment by TLR | August 15, 2009