Sunday, February 8, 2026

Dear God,

Where does courage come from?  How can I find it?  How can I be courageous?

I love all kinds of novels, historical, Christmas and mystery novels.  I love entering into someone else's story, learning about them, especially what makes them tick.  But more than anything, I read for clues as to what makes a person courageous.

I have read many novels set in Europe during the Nazi period.  I hear stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  I read over and over again stories of courage, people who make a decision to do miraculous things.  They save lives, they thwart enemies and they sacrifice themselves for the greater good.  I always ask myself if I could do the same.

Months ago, I sat in the Charlotte, North Carolina airport waiting for my flight.  I was shocked to see two black clothes-clad individuals wearing black helmets ride their bikes into our terminal.  They quietly climbed off the bikes and looked around.  It was then I saw the sign on the side of the bicycle.  It was very clear who they were.  ICE, they were ICE agents.  I was frightened and incensed.  I looked at the small Asian family of four who sat across from me.  Two little kids, a mom and dad.  In my bewildered mind, I felt afraid for every person at our gate.  Have they come for them?  Are they going to drag them away?  That's when the really big question came to me.  How much are you willing to sacrifice for them, Andrea?

In today's chaotic, divided world led by people who intend for it to be that way, we have to think like resistance people.  We have to ask what we are willing to do to help targeted people.  We have to consider what price we are willing to pay to assist innocent neighbors and strangers.  

Courage is your gift, O God. Faith is too.  When we wed them together, we have what we need to be courageous people.

Bless us

with faith first

and courage second,

Gracious God.

Feed us

with your spirit.

Strengthen us

with your power

for your purpose.

Love, Andrea