There are others who teach me the meaning of courage.
Meet Hannah. She is one of my student leaders I have the joy of working with. I'm fairly certain I learn more from her than she does from me. Hannah defines courage to me.
About 2 months ago, she sat by the bedside of her ailing mother. She stroked her frail hand and looked into the eyes that match her own. It had been years of struggle and now with each labored breath, this woman of faith tiptoed nearer to her eternal home.
No matter how long you have walked through illness, no matter how thoroughly you have prepared for the future, loss is so so hard.
Hannah ministered by whispering words of love, being a caregiver, staying awake long hours and bringing her encouraging presence to her family. Hannah ushered her mom right up to the gates of Heaven- the place where her Creator would warmly welcome her and clothe her with His righteous robes.
Hannah has showed me that courage looks vulnerable and even, at times, broken. Courage is transparent and meek. Courage has aches. Courage chooses to share grief rather than hide it. The abundance of comfort she receives from Christ flows out to bring peace to those close to her. Courage can smile even when all around is heavy clouds with no sunshine in sight. Courage embraces loss as a way to connect more deeply. It admits when things are really really hard and isn't afraid of tears.
She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come
Prov. 31
Her kind of strong looks different. It's beautiful, gentle, meek and pure. Her heart rests content and healing. Her joy persists and nurtures me. Hannah showed me that there's a different kind of strong. Brave looks beautiful on her.
Powerfully written--and very true.
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