Be Strong and Courageous

Submitted by Erin on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 18:25
    Be strong and courageous.  In the New American Standard bible translation; this exact combination of words occurs 13 times between Deuteronomy. Joshua, 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.       I have visited so many of my favorite blogs this week and I can't tell you how many people are feeling sorry for themselves.  I know it is dark in the northern hemisphere and it is January.  But it is time for the pity parties to stop. So right now, do these 6 things and then go out into the world and shine a light into dark places.
  1. Get some direct sunlight
  2. Take a walk 
  3. Write something in your gratitude journal 
  4. Think about the needs of someone else 
  5. Decide to be strong and courageous 
  6. Read the book of Joshua -
Set your purse down, and Spartan up! That includes both men and women.  You are a radiant child of God.  You are not some hopeless, powerless, despicable worm in the dirt.  You are a saint.  You are made in the image of the most high God, and the very breath of God fills your spirit. You were given the authority to heal the sick, and to alleviate human suffering.  You were given free will.  You may choose to live a life of significance!  You may leave this world a better place than it was before you got here! You be strong and courageous! Find your purpose and your joy. The Old Testament is filled with stories.  Things never turn out well for the whiners and bed wetters.  We are told over and over about the people who were strong in the LORD.  The people who stand on the promises of God.  They stand on their faith and move mountains, and free the oppressed. Dwell upon what is possible.  Make it a great day!

Comments

Submitted by Chrissy on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 18:53.
I love this Erin, what a great way to get the morning started. Thanks for you uplifting thoughts.
Submitted by hannah on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 18:59.
this is inspirational. thanks for the reminder!
Submitted by Patty - Why Not Start Now? on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 21:36.
Erin, I didn't know you could be so stern! (In a good way, of course). I love that you're giving us all a wise talking to, because you're absolutely right. We can pull ourselves up from the depths of January. Thanks!
Submitted by Erin on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 22:15.
Hi Patty, This turned into more of a Drill Sargent post, didn't it? Sometimes we need a kick in the pants, more than codling. I probably over-reacted to all the "my life has no meaning" stuff I have been reading. I firmly believe we have the power to give meaning to our lives and we don't always use it. I had my own pity party earlier this week. So this applies to me as well.
Submitted by Patty - Why Not Start Now? on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 23:36.
No, I don't think you over-reacted at all, Erin. I loved it. In fact, I think there's an awful lot of indulging that goes on in both blog writing and commenting. Oh gosh, I know I'm guilty of it. I don't want to offend anyone. But sometimes I just want to say, "get a grip!" So I like it a lot that you let that part of you be heard here.
Submitted by ayo on Sun, 01/24/2010 - 00:08.
hi erin, loved this post. can i add the following please: show some optimism be of good character take some risks with a bit of common sense!!! stop being hard on yourself. Take care
Submitted by Wilma Ham on Mon, 01/25/2010 - 03:03.
Go Erin go, we have been given a beautiful world with endless possibilities. We have been given this to enjoy and do something with. You are spot on, let's see the gift and enjoy the gift of life.
Submitted by Walter on Mon, 01/25/2010 - 13:19.
I am not a religious person. But I believe we are all divine. Unfortunately, we chose to live a life like we are not worthy. :-)
Submitted by Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord on Mon, 01/25/2010 - 19:49.
Being a resident of NY, I'd like to add: start taking a Vitamin D supplement! A friend told me that most people in the northern hemisphere (actually he said the northeast US, but I'd like to think more globally!) are Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is made by our bodies when we're in the sun. So during the cold winter months, we tend to be deficient. One side effect is mild depression. Ugh! I started taking 1,000 international units (at $2.99 for a 60-day supply) and feel really good. SO MUCH BETTER than I did last winter. So yes, your advice is well taken. It's possible to be joyful during the gray winter months!
Submitted by Erin on Mon, 01/25/2010 - 22:14.
Patty, Hannah, Chrissy, Ayo, Wilma, Walter, Megan - your comments all cheered me up. And I love your suggestions.
Submitted by Mark on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 03:23.
Well said! We are of God, we are more powerful than we wish to admit, we truly can move mountains. We must remember who we are and from whom we came.
Submitted by jonathanfigaro on Fri, 01/29/2010 - 19:25.
We all must follow our purpose with out it. We will perish in the mist of our own thoughts. We all need a dream and a vision. Whats yours?
Submitted by Lance on Sun, 01/31/2010 - 05:01.
Erin, This really jumped out at me: "You are a radiant child of God." Especially I'm drawn to that word "radiant". Who are we not to be radiant?? We are meant to shine! What a beautiful message!!
Submitted by deborah mori on Mon, 02/08/2010 - 02:09.
Thank you for your post. You've moved me, more than you could know. Sometimes I listen to myself talk and I think, "Who IS this person?" I've been needing a good kick in the pants and I'm glad it came from graceful you! : ) This is my favorite part of your post: You may choose to live a life of significance! You may leave this world a better place than it was before you got here! You be strong and courageous! Find your purpose and your joy. Well done.

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