by The Editor
Courage is grace under pressure.
Courage and grace are both such powerful and oftentimes overused words. When used together, they are a powerhouse.
Courage has been applied to military settings. First day of school jitters. Battling a medical condition. Walking in unfamiliar territory. Moving to a new location. Starting a new job. Asking someone out on a date. Getting out of bed while grieving. Or even just getting a fresh haircut. Courage is needed in different doses for all kinds of situations.
Courage can be draining or it can be exhilarating. And sometimes even both simultaneously.
Grace is a whole other beast. Grace for others. And grace for ourselves. Grace can feel unjust and complicated and hard to navigate.
When you factor all that in, ‘courage is grace under pressure’ reads a little differently.
So read that statement again. Courage is grace under pressure.
I’m traveling and I’ve found myself in a situation where both grace and courage are required on a more intense level. Constantly. No break from either.
Like battle, I prepped myself for a few weeks leading up to this trip. Playing out worst case scenarios and best possible outcomes. Hoping, planning, and dreaming while staying grounded in realistic expectations. Expectations of how I would maneuver and handle all that comes my way. Reminding myself that my expectations may not be that of all the other people involved. They are for me, not them.
It took courage just to get through the prepping. Telling myself, constantly, that I can do this and what I’m doing is necessary. I had to prepare my household, seeing as they would very much be affected by my travels. My absence would mean they must do life differently. For an unknown length of time. Relying on grace and courage would be a factor for them as well.
I must admit that I did not fully prepare for the amount of courage and grace that has been needed thus far.
The people I have been tasked to care for are requiring grace beyond and courage greater than I ever fathomed.
Is it worth it? Of course. Is it taxing? Resoundingly yes. Do I have some stories to tell? Oh. My. Goodness!!
But let me tell you what has gotten me through the past few days.
First and foremost, my Village. My husband and kids (they’re adults, but my babies nonetheless) have been amazing. Texting and FaceTime are Godsends, for sure. They keep me laughing and going.
Secondly, the extended ‘family’ in my Village. Checking on me. Sending prayers and reminders of grace and courage. Loving me and cheering me on. Reminding me that I am indeed not alone. And sending tidbits to keep me laughing.
And lastly, coping skills I’ve learned throughout my life’s journey.
Deep breaths. Have to keep breathing.
Moments to sit alone and ponder and strategize. Regroup.
Not being ‘triggered’. None of this is meant as a personal attack. This is not about me. For now, my life is not my own.
And, maybe most importantly, finding humor. Have to keep laughing and finding those obscure silver linings.
Grace. Grace. Grace. For the ones I’ve been assigned – and grace for myself. The release of anything less than perfect is ok. Grace and courage do not have to be ‘perfect’ to provide their medicine. Thankfully.
Are you needing grace today? Needing courage? Receive them. Give them. There’s no complicated formula to follow. No do this or do that. They are yours to take.
Live in them. Operate in them. They’re both equally beautiful and we are all better off for them.
And I cannot leave without this reminder: find your ‘village’. Find people that get you. Love you. Build you. Help you. Steer you. Guide you.
You are not a lone wolf. You were never meant to do this crazy life alone. There is power in numbers, even if it’s 1+1.
What a treat to hear from The Editor! I know she gave me lots to ponder. Let’s show her some love in the comments! Thank you my friend for sharing your heart and for stepping in for me this week in the midst of my crazy!
Hope y’all have a great week! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Thanks!
Shannon R. Brown 