Courage does not always roar.

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying…

“I will try again tomorrow”

~Mary Anne Radmacher

Meow. That’s about all the roar I have in me some days. Sure, being courageous means standing strong, hanging tough and showing steadfast faith during trying times, but being brave can also be hard when we feel like we’re at wit’s end and all hope is gone. Whether it’s a tragedy in our family, a job loss, a health crisis, a marriage on the rocks…or any of the large, medium or small issues we face in this world, let’s be honest…it is REALLY hard to be courageous a lot of the time!

We’ve all had one of those days, weeks, months, even years where we just can’t seem to get it together. When one door closes another door doesn’t open, in fact we get multiple slams in our face day after day. We long for the light at the end of the tunnel or the shooting star to kick-start our faith. But it never comes. And we wait. Patiently at first, then when we realize all hope might be lost, we crumble. It’s at those times in our lives where we have nothing else to do but find that inner strength, that call for courage so we can face each waking moment.

I love this quote because it’s a wonderful reminder for all of us but especially appropriate when talking to children. When my kids are struggling with something my advice is usually, “Keep your chin up, lean on God and stay strong. Be courageous!” But we all know how tough that is to do. If we as adults can’t find our way most days how in the world do we expect our kids to do the same?

You know what? I don’t think there is an answer. I really don’t think it’s possible to be that perfect parent who is encouraging and motivating and loving and kind all wrapped up into one absolutely insanely courageous individual, at least on a consistent basis. No, it’s not physically possible. Unless you’re super mom or dad and if so, congratulations, your award is in the mail.

I think next time my kids face a closed-door or barricade on the road, I think I’ll pay better attention to their roar or whimper and just be the quiet voice whispering in their ear… “No worries honey, tomorrow will be a better day. Tomorrow you can be courageous. And if not, there’s always the next day and the next and the next. And you know what? It’s going to be ok because you are loved.”