Courage

Yeah guys, I know, a little off topic but it’s on my heart tonight and I can't quite shake this one…. And it sorta goes along with forgiveness to….

Courage

…the quality of mind that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear, bravery…

A couple of years ago Sherwood pictures produced an all famous movie called “Courageous” it was the story of 4 Police Officers who decided to take Fatherhood to the next level… well I'm not here to talk to the father’s because believe you me I have no experience in that department whatsoever, and let’s be certain I never will. J

Maybe that’s where you find yourself today, I don't know. Today, God is looking for courageous men and women who are willing to stand up for their faith and to stand for truth.

A lady came into the store today and saw a bowl was priced for $2.50 stating the fact that she thought it was a little much she asked my co-worker if she could sell it for a $1. When my co-worker refused after a little explaining the customer said “we’ll how are they (the owners) to know what you sell the bowl for?” On hearing this I was taken a little back but yet thankful that we didn't go through and process the sale like the customer would have wanted because who would have had to live with the guilt of what we did? We would have had to. Even if the customer’s integrity would have also been on the line, we would have been the ones that suffered knowing we didn't take courage and stand up, not only for truth but what is morally right and wrong.

Courage is something that most people lack. People, including myself when I say this, do not like opposition. We hate it. We or most people like to roll a long with the punches and try not to get too many feathers in a thither.

I think back in my life to times where I had to take a stand for Truth. It wasn’t easy. Do I regret it, absolutely not. I had the privilege of standing for Truth and watching my friends one by one turn against me. That’s not easy, believe me. There was also times when I should have stood up and didn’t, I regret that. I could tell you example after example and never run out, but unless you are brave enough to stand up for what you believe, it will all be in vain.

A little over a year ago I came home one day with a phrase running through my head “dare to be different”. Ok, don't take that the wrong way, I am not saying go out a buy yourself a burnt orange leather vest just to be different, please. Save your friends eyes. What I mean is “dare to be different” when everyone around you says your Faith in Jesus Christ is not worthy to stand for, STAND FOR YOUR FAITH. Jesus says in the Bible “if you are ashamed of me I will also be ashamed of you on the day of judgment.” It’s no fooling around folks. Jesus was serious here.

I came home that day and through the course of three days I wrote this poem. Now don't go looking to see if it rhymes, because I'll save you the time it doesn’t. But allow the words to penetrate your being and “DARE TO BE DIFFERENT FOR CHRIST.” And if I may add even if it means you loose the friends you thought were the closest.

Dare to be Different

Dare to be different and watch others fight,

Dare to be different and slid right along

Dare to be different and stand with the crowd

Dare to be different and feel restless at night

Dare to be different and say not a sound

Dare to be different and die without a cause.

You stand on the side lines, and watch others fall

You stand on the side lines, and do nothing at all

You stand on the side lines, and wish others the best

Yet daring never to take up the rest

You stand on the side lines, and never flinch

You stand on the side lines, and never miss

You stand on the side lines, and watch others die

You stand on the side lines, and fail at success.

I say NO…

Dare to be different and do what’s Right

Dare to be different and stand for what’s Truth

Dare to be different and don't give up the fight

Dare to be different and stand all alone.

Dare to be different and enjoy God’s peace.

Dare to be different and feel God’s contentment.

Dare to be different and die in with a cause

Dare to be different; your death is your success.

Jesus is waiting, for you this moment,

Hoping you'll trust in Him, for your strength and courage,

Your battles He'll fight, if only you’ll listen.

And stand in the fight, we'll others are slipping

Jesus is calling, for you this moment,

Will you dare to be different, or say not a sound?

Rise up men and women, take courage in the Lord.

Stand up for Jesus, You'll never regret it.

God’s invitation is still open, He is still calling, and no matter how difficult it may seem there is joy in the morning. When we have finally breathed our final breath and pass from this life into eternal life, our pain, our hurts, our sword wounded bodies will not matter anymore because in heaven there is peace, joy, contentment, and the list could go on of all the good amazing things that we will enjoy. Folks, it’s going to be wonderful, and you don't want to miss it. 

Take COURAGE, Stand for your faith in Jesus Christ. It will be worth it. Trust me.