Taking the “Dis” out of Discouraged
According to the dictionary, the definition of discouraged is having lost confidence or enthusiasm, disheartened.
Unfortunately, it was incredibly easy to become discouraged when Covid seeped its way quietly throughout the world – them BAM, it struck like a bolt of unbridled lightning and knocked everyone down for the count. It was more than enough to make folks across the globe truly frightened and discouraged. And for others, who may not have been affected by Covid, other personal losses may have led them, too, down a path of utter despair.
It has indeed been challenging. Even as we see things improving, it’s still easy to get discouraged. There’s always going to be problems facing each and every one of us, no matter what else may be going on in the world. Sometimes the problems are small and easily dealt with – other times, they can feel like Mt. Everest – almost (but not) impossible to climb.
But here’s the bottom line – it takes true “courage” to stand by your faith and beliefs. It takes “courage” to weather the storms that hit you on a personal level. And and it takes “courage” to stand up and say “I’m not giving up, God will stand by me – I’m going to get past this and move on.” He stands by us no matter what, even though there may be days when it doesn’t feel that way.
The other morning I was sitting outside on my garden bench having coffee with God for our morning chat. It was then I realized that God can take the “dis” out of “discourage” IF we let Him.
My morning chat with God was the instant boost I needed to get my day off to a good start. It allowed me to focus on damage control to contain the serious disasters from the previous week. It made me appreciate all of the opportunities that lie ahead – I just needed to take them. He gave me answers – I just needed to listen.
I called my family in another state, just to hear their voices, silently knowing that they love me as much as I love them. That too, provided unspoken comfort after coming out of a rough week. Loved ones, whether friends or family can have that effect.
Later that day, the Twisted Sister song from the 80’s popped into my head and got stuck there. As they sang “we’re not gonna take it – oh no, we ain’t gonna take it – we’re not gonna take it anymore,” a smile crept across my face as I realized that with God’s help, we don’t have to “take it” – we can overcome life’s obstacles and move forward.
When you get discouraged, remember: It takes courage to stand up and face life’s obstacles. Courage to knock them down and move on. Having the courage to keep the faith and never giving up will pull you through. When you take away the “dis” from “discourage” there’s nothing left but courage!