I’ve been thinking a lot about courage lately and the more I think the more I realize that it is a difficult quality to define. Instead it is easier to identify it when seen.

Courage is not the absence of fear. Instead, it’s the decision that something else is more important than fear.

I do not consider myself brave.

Caring. Yes.

Kind. Yes.

Brave. Well, not really.

But years ago I was shown a small photo of a little baby girl in Russia. One look and my heart was captured. There was just something about her.

“Yes,” I said when asked if I wanted to move forward to adopt her.

“Yes, absolutely yes.”

But then as it happened I needed to fly alone to Russia to get her.

I’ll never forget that night that I boarded the plane for the overnight flight.

I looked back at my parents and gave them a wave knowing that anything might happen.

What ifs……

Just supposes….

If I had not thought of something to fear, other people had and they had freely shared their concerns.

But I walked that ramp to board that plane anyway.

Stomach clenched. Knees knocking.

Alone.

But not really alone.

I knew a Presence went with me. But still there was no one to talk with. No one with whom to share my concerns. No, in the dark of the night the plane took off.

Fears abounded but my love for this little one was stronger. Much stronger.

I fully realized the dangers involved.

But love covered all of that.

Love drew me to her.

Courage is a decision that something else is more important.

Life takes courage. Making decisions based on something greater than fear.

Counting the cost and doing it anyway.

Examples abound of people who have chosen to do something

  Not because it was easy

     Or convenient

        Not because they had to

But they are driven by that divine obsession to love

    And to love till the end.

Courage is contagious.

It’s a marvelous quality. A jewel that shines brightly not only today but for all eternity.