How courageous are you? Would you use the word ‘courageous’ to describe yourself? Why or why not? Would you zipline across The Otways? Have you ever been on the Big Dipper or the Batman ride at Movieworld?

Have you ever climbed a tall tree? Have you climbed the Gloucester Tree in Western Australia, a former ‘fire lookout tree’ that is 53 metres high? Would you climb it if you had the opportunity? Such a climb is surely not for the fainthearted or those afraid of heights. I did climb it in 1986 but was afraid most of the way up. I certainly needed courage to do so.

Have you ever asked someone on a date? Or phoned to make a complaint about something? This takes courage too, doesn’t it?

Courage is defined as ‘the ability to do something that frightens one; bravery’ and ‘strength in the face of pain or grief’. ‘Strength in the face of pain or grief’, yes, this is courage. There is a lot of grief and pain involved with living. Our pain and grief. The pain and grief we feel on behalf of others. The pain and grief at the events unfolding in our world and in creation. It takes courage just to live, to dare to hope, to dare to believe that things can improve, that there is a way forward.

The Psalmist knew this when he wrote, 
13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14 NRSV) He dared to have hope, to believe that he would see the goodness of the Lord. He exhorts us to have courage and I believe to have hope, to believe that the Lord will be with us and that just as bad comes around, so will good.

A friend of mine often quotes the proverb, “This too shall pass.” It’s a proverb that originated about 1200 A.D., allegedly in Persia. Legend has it that a powerful Persian ruler called his sages, that is, his wise ones, to him and asked them for one quote that would always be accurate for all situations. After consulting with each other and contemplating deeply, the sages came up with “this too, shall pass.” The ruler was apparently so impressed that he had the saying inscribed in a ring.

Interestingly, Abraham Lincoln, used the saying as part of his address to the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society in 1859. He added this wisdom to the quote: "How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the depths of affliction."

When we are going through a difficult time, it IS helpful to remember that ‘this too will pass.’ When life is cruisy and easy for us, it is wise to remember that ‘this too will pass’ so that we are more likely to be emotionally ready if and when hardship knocks on our door again.

Courage is a desirable quality for climbing tall trees and for all that life asks of us.

Today, I am going to use an ancient Benediction as a Blessing for us all:
“Go forth into the world in peace;
be of good courage;
hold fast that which is good;
render to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak;
help the afflicted;
honour everyone;
love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit;
and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen.”

Fondly, Cynthia