Courage and Fortitude

Courage and fortitude, as I shared having courage on my "About Me" page, has been a cornerstone in my journey with God and my path back home. Writing a website based on my personal experiences required courage, as does every step we take in building our spiritual virtues.

Facing challenges and overcoming fears define courage. The pandemic of 2020 was one such fear I had to confront head-on. I often recalled my parents' stories of the Great Depression, with its food lines and endless uncertainties. While I never fully grasped the magnitude of their struggles back then, I found myself in a parallel situation, dealing with my own crisis.

There were countless moments when I longed for their presence, to talk about what was happening. Yet, I also felt grateful they weren’t here to experience the fear and chaos. The thought of losing them during such a time was unfathomable.

In those months, I drew upon every ounce of courage I had. I continued to go to work, kept praying for my family and friends, and pushed through the relentless waves of fear broadcasted from every angle. Courage wasn't just a choice; it became a necessity for survival and faith. Through it all, I learned that true courage lies in trusting God, despite the uncertainty and fear that surrounds us.

During the pandemic, life was filled with uncertainty, challenges, and a multitude of fears. Amidst the chaos, I leaned on the unwavering truth and reliability of God. He became my anchor, guiding me through fears and peer pressure at work, helping me uphold moral values even when it was difficult. I thank God for allowing me to remain true to myself and ensuring I never led others astray in their decisions.

Standing up for what is right, especially when it's unpopular or dangerous, has always been important to me. Consider the bravery of Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on that bus, challenging racial segregation with courage. Or think of Nelson Mandela's unwavering commitment to justice, despite immense personal sacrifice. These examples remind us of the importance of standing firm in our convictions.

Many of us carry the light of Jesus within us, but we often fear death, job loss, or failing to conform to societal norms. It's crucial to pray for courage and practice it in our daily lives. Courage, however, is not enough on its own; it must be accompanied by fortitude, which encompasses mental and emotional strength. This was particularly vital during the pandemic, a time when many people faced depression due to lockdowns.

Fortitude, with its elements of patience, perseverance, and inner strength, helped many endure these tough times. Reflect on whether you relied more on courage or fortitude during the pandemic. Both virtues played a crucial role in navigating the unprecedented challenges we faced. Which one resonated more with your experience?

Developing Courage and Fortitude

 Developing Courage and Fortitude is what I have been doing on this page. Just writing and enjoying it. It's about being intentional in what you do.

You may have to encourage yourself with positive affirmations and remind yourself you have the ability to be successful. 

Set realistic goals for yourself and then gradually increase the difficulty as you build up your confidence.

If you need to do it with others to for support then by all means. You may find your strengths in sharing your goals with others. 

Embrace failure. I say that all the time especially about the website project. What did I lose to do it. Along the way I have gained so much more than money could ever buy.

Practical Ideas for Applying Courage and Fortitude

Try to figure out what scares you and why. Once you have an  idea what's getting in your way face it, do it anyway to overcome it. 

Small steps are important. I started this website oh about two or three years ago. I had the basics. So many fears came about writing, telling my personal stories. I had to overcome obstacles before I could move forward. The rewards are great, I can see in myself places where I still need work and others where I have developed. 

Every time I have to write a new page, I get the feeling that I can't, and I need to give up. Who cares about this site anyway? The answer to that is ME. It doesn't matter what others think. I'm not wasting my time I am growing in my faith.

So I encourage you to have courage and the fortitude to try something new. Go after your dream, be creative and enjoy.

Challenges and Rewards of Courage and Fortitude

Spiritual Meditation 
Spiritual Exercises
Spiritual Journaling
Pray the Rosary
Visit the Stations of the Cross