Real Courage is Not What You Think

Mary Anne Radmacher said, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'” Like a calm response in the face of a bully, real courage is often quiet, but calculated. Those who possess it don’t demonstrate it by chance. They make choices and a conscious effort to stand for the right thing, even though their knees are wobbling.

This is what real courage really looks like…

When you speak out against injustice, even though your voice is shaking.

When you leave the boyfriend who doesn’t want the same things as you, even though tears are streaming down your face as you walk away.

When you assure your recently diagnosed loved one that everything’s going to be ok, only to have a total breakdown in your car at your first moment alone.

When you extend forgiveness, but pray to God that he’ll help you to feel it in your heart.

When you cry at your best friend’s wedding because you’re so happy for her, but also because you wonder if you’ll ever be the one in white.

When you seek help because you know you’re struggling mentally or emotionally, even though you’re afraid of what others might think.

When you push your kid to chase their dream job, even though the thought of them moving away tears you up.

Like a calm response in the face of a bully, courage is often quiet, but calculated.

When you throw a fabulous baby shower for your little sister and can’t help but think, “It should have been me first.”

When you continue to make healthy choices, even though the scale hasn’t budged in weeks.

When you encourage your husband to pursue his dreams, even though you dread the extra nights you’ll be spending at home alone with Netflix.

When you love your career, but wonder if you’re less of a mother for dropping your child off at daycare.

When you tell him, “You’re going to make someone really happy someday. I wish you the best,” instead of all the other thoughts going through your brain because you really wanted to be that someone.

When you congratulate your coworker for earning the promotion, even though your heart sank when your name wasn’t the one that was called.

When you offer to leave the party with your friend because she’s having a rough night, but you’re bummed you won’t get a chance to talk to that guy…

When you invite your ex-husband and the woman he left you for over during Christmas so that your kids can have their parents under the same roof, even though you have a few breakdowns thinking about it as the day draws near.

When you wake up at 3am to be there for your baby who needs you, but you’re mentally counting the hours of sleep you’re losing.

When you tell the truth, even though your heart is pounding and your palms are sweating.

Despite the way it may seem, strong people have weak moments.

Having real courage doesn’t mean you’re never afraid. Having courage means you look your fears in the eye with grit and grace in your heart, and you do the right thing—no matter the cost.