Courage

Last week found me on the ball fields with my children. Emily and Jman had games at the same time on neighboring fields that required Lyndsay and I to divide the Coombs' cheer squad. Technology is wonderful during these times as we frantically text back and forth the plays on the field and how our Clan is fairing. One text I received from Lyndsay stated, "She's pitching!" I couldn't believe it. My amazing Emily was up on the mound, showing great courage and pitching her first softball game. I immediately jumped up and looked over at the field, one eye on Jesse and the other scanning for Emily. There she was! Fearless and pitching her heart out! I felt our family's life verse come to my mind "Be Strong and Courageous do not be terrified do not be discouraged for the Lord, your God is with you where ever you go." Joshua 1:9

As I sat back down; that verse stayed in my soul for a few minutes. I missed a few plays on both fields while chewing on the idea of courage. How many times do we need to summon every ounce of courage that we can muster to move forward in our Walk with the Lord? My kids and I have tagged along this nutty, busy, thrilling and at times, sorrowful, military career of John's. It has required great amounts of courage on our part to pack up and move 12 times in 20 years including 3 international moves. Courage was needed to meet new friends, find new churches to attend, new homeschool groups to join, doctors to see, cars to repair and finances to reshuffle with ever changing cost of living rates.

How many times I've simply wanted to stay in bed and not face the demands of the day! Yet, as mothers of children to train, we can't allow ourselves to be held hostage by the 'what ifs' each day could hold. We may not feel like pitching that day or being part of a team during trying circumstances of life. However, we must grab hold of our Bibles and take a few minutes to draw our broods in close for some courage summoning time.

My current Bible Study is leading me through the Patriarchs. I've been struck by Sarai, Abram's wife. Abram was called to leave Ur and go…”to a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1) Sarai, in obedience to her husband, left her home in Ur, taking her aging father in law, nephew and household along. Can you imagine the courage it took to stay in the seat of that camel with the skyline of your home fading with every step? She didn't know for sure where she was going. There was no way for her to know just how long this was going to go on or where her new home would be! Would she know the language when she got there? Think about it. Let's not spiritualize our ancestors too much. Consider, they were just people, called by God. Sarai's great courage to follow her husband, to eventually become the Matriarch of Nations again etched Josh 1:9 on my soul.

The rest of the ball game I don't remember except my beautiful girl had a great time and played well. What a thrill it is to watch her grow and try new things. I believe it's time to show her a few verses in Genesis about a woman who was also called up to play an important role involving courage, Sarai.