Lift the Holiday Spirit for Those in the LGBT Community This Year!

Do you know someone in the LGBT community that is struggling with family issues right now? Right now during the holiday season it's easy to reach out to others and it's easy to show love. When that holiday spirit goes away, where does it leave you?

I was reflecting on the struggles of many friends I have that have come forward to say they are gay, and yet their families do not accept them or welcome them home during the holidays. What kind of world are we living in?

I began to realize how much I still don't understand regardless of the number of friends I have in the LGBT community, what they feel when others are so close to their family and enjoy holiday traditions. It seems that no one would have to go without a place to go for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but I find out that this just isn't true.

There are so many left without a home to welcome them at this time of year, and probably almost any time of year they don't feel the love and acceptance of even their parents. One of the greatest pains I've ever experienced is the lack of feeling of love from a parent, whether it was through an argument or other issue that came up.

So, how can we fix it? I don't know that we can fix it, but I do believe that we can spend more time and energy reaching out to others less fortunate, meaning even those that have income but those without family to share holidays with.

The LGBT community has been experiencing ups and downs for years, but the focus right now isn't rights, licenses, jobs, or anything else. This is about people. It's time that we STOP separating people upon their gender, sexual orientation, and by their incomes.

What if we just stopped looking at people differently just because they aren't like us? Why can't we just strive to share what we have with others no matter who they are or where they come from? It seems to me that this should be fairly simple, but it's a mystery as to how there are still so many folks left out because they are lesbian or gay, or otherwise.

One organization, Your Holiday Mom, has been receiving letters and phone calls since 2011. The idea behind this was to welcome those that are without family during this time of year. It's a great thing for the LGBT community, and so we thought we would share it and what they do.

This virtual holiday welcome has spread joy to so many, and continues to do so. Loving moms are opening up their hearts to adult children from the community and saying, hey, we love you and wish you a wonderful holiday season. Just the idea that someone cares enough to act as a mother would to them is touching and nothing short of amazing.

Where is the love folks? What have we been doing all of this time that we have been here on this Earth and NOT loving all people? This holiday season, we are asking you to not judge, but open your hearts and homes to those from the "LGBT community" that are without loved ones to share their holiday season with.

I Am Love!

I am love, are you? It's a great question, and it's one that has people talking these days. Everyone wants to know what love is, but yet they try to hard to hit the mark with something that is anything but. The truth is, love is all we should ever be, or all we should ever really offer to someone. Do you believe this? I do, and I know that love can heal you as well.

In fact, if you have never had the chance to read writings about Mother Theresa and her life and works, take the time to do so. That woman was a true example of love, and what love can do for people. It is no surprise that Mother Theresa was well respected by so many, as she wanted to reach out to those that no one else would reach out to.

So, rather than asking a question about whether or not you are love, wouldn't it be wise to make an affirmation? What about stating to others, "I am love." It's really simple, and I find that just making that statement as your affirmation, will do far more for you than it would to question it.

Let me tell you a story.

I Am Love Whether You Are or Not

I was chatting with the girlfriend of a friend of mine the other day, and it's an understatement to say that she is an amazing individual. We will call her "Lynn" in this case to protect her identity as is generally the case here. 

Recently, her boyfriend took his life, and she was deeply in love with him, but after the fact, she came across an old email in his email account, where he states that he wasn't so sure about how he really felt for her until the end of January. 

Wow. 

She had fallen madly in love with him, and while he continued to tell her he loved her, his emails made her feel otherwise. She felt deceived, and she sees something that makes her believe that he deceived himself as well. 

The reality is that I don't think that he could live with himself. He had been living a life filled with lost jobs, high use of alcohol, drugs, and women previously to try and cover up how he really felt about himself. This really had nothing to do with her, but naturally as humans, when our self worth is down we tend to believe that people do things as the result of us "not being enough".

I am love, and I give love. How about that for an affirmation? 

I Am Love and I Am Loved 

It is often do hard for us to go back and look at things differently, and believe that yes, we are loved, as we are love. We have to KNOW that we know that we know, that our value isn't based upon what someone else thinks or does. 

Our value is determined by God the Father, our Creator and Friend. Was there ever a time when you believed that you weren't enough? Have you ever felt as though you weren't enough for someone to love you back? 

Ah, God tells us that we are worth more than gold and silver. In fact, God is clear about telling us that our worth isn't based on what others say. The human mind and heart are full of error and deception, as we are only human. 

It's up to each of us to choose to say, I am love. Loving others is courageous! 

Positive Thinking Does Make a Difference!

Positive thinking is something that you hear a lot about these days, especially from motivational speakers like Tony Robbins, Les Brown, John Maxwell, and of course, who could have forgotten Zig Ziglar!

We all know who they are, and even if we don't know them all, most know who Tony Robbins is, the youngest in the crowd at the moment. The truth is even if you make fun of those that talk about positive thinking, it's much needed in a time of a tough economy and when tragedies strike.

A positive mental attitude needs to be reinforced as our world seems to be spiraling out of control, but there are plenty of folks that are left without a leg to stand on, meaning that they have no support system at all. Could it be that you are the only positive influence others see?

This is why it's important that each of us works on building up our faith, our strength, and our life to exemplify something positive that inspires others and brings a smile to their face. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could get others to want what we have in life?

Getting to Positive Thinking 

If we are struggling with a life event, and trying to find answers and find our way, how do we get to the place where we can become more positive and stable in our thinking?

How can we get to the place where we are able to sit and listen to others, taking it all in and helping others that need a word of encouragement? What do we do to get to a place where positive thinking is all that we know? How do we get "stable"? The answer is really this;

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I BELIEVE that the thinking part in this Scripture is exactly what people need to remember, Christians and non-Christians alike.  I don't know of anyone that wouldn't need to "think on these things", and as we continue to go forward in this life every day we continue to face tragedies that make zero sense.

When we are constantly bombarded with:

• Murders
• Theft
• Stocks crashing 
• Sickness 
• Job loss 

It is no surprise that we live in a culture when we  need emotional fitness almost as badly as we need anything else, but so few of us have it. It's time to make a change.

Remember, you could be the only Jesus some folks see, and it pays to have positive mental attitude!

PS- Were you helped by reading this blog entry today? Is there some area in which we could encourage you that we haven't written about yet? Come check us out at www.courageouslife.com, and make sure to stop by our SHOP to share your courage with others!

The Only Disability is a Bad Attitude

The only disability in life is a bad attitude, let it be known. Lately, I've seen a lot of these bad attitudes, and yet people can't seem to see what I see. How is it possible that no one understands this? How is it possible that people can live in the dark, and not help others?

I also know that if you don't see God in all, you won't see God at all. Yes, that's true too. However, if we choose NOT to see him, it's a disability for sure, meaning that we have chosen to blind ourselves. So, why is it that we choose a road that seems so easy at the first, but yet we know ends in destruction?

Life is all about choices, and each day that we awaken, we MUST decide. As hard as it is, we have to decide, and as adults when we have children and we are responsible for these young lives and minds, we are required to take the high road and walk a bit more.

The only disability is a bad attitude.

The Only Disability is Choosing to NOT Have a Vision

It has been said that "where there is no vision, the people perish". I think that's true, how about you? While many of us have a vision of what we want for our business and our lives, we need to have a greater vision for it. 

In reality, that quote came out of the Word of God, and while others may deny it, it's true. God has taught us the value of vision, and if don't heed to that, we will miss out on the best God has to offer us. Why would we want to do that and risk it all? 

The only disability is choosing NOT to see what God has for us, don't you agree? I mean, in reality, we could see so many things, but without God, there is no beauty, with no clear path. Make sense? We can't really go it alone in life, and that is why God tells us to call out to Him, and to seek Him. 

Not only that, but this is why he calls us to fellowship with one another in an attempt to encourage each other and lift each other up when things get rough. Remember the story of Moses and Aaron? This is a perfect story! 

The Only Disability Moses Had Was Lack of Faith 

Remember when God told Moses to go and approach the Pharoah and ask him to let the people go? Moses was mortified because he was so sure that he wouldn't be able to speak well enough to get the Pharoah to say yes! 

The Lord was angry with Moses, no doubt, and as it turns out, even God knew that Moses' brother was a good speaker. Ah, Moses had a way out, but it still didn't please God that Moses didn't feel that he could do the job with God's help. 

Aaron was right there for Moses, all along. He would have been there whether or not Moses thought he could do it, but Moses was so reluctant, and what cost? His lack of faith! 

Sometimes, the only disability is lack of faith. Wouldn't you agree? Don't let Satan have a foothold in your life, instead, turn to God every time without reservation and let God have his way. Don't let life get the best of you or anyone else for that matter. 

Live courageously! The only disability is NOT doing so! 

Telling the Truth is Courageous

Telling the truth is something we all need to do, even if we don't feel that our elders do it, or our peers do it. What matters is what we have CHOSEN to do it. Even if someone doesn't know the difference it's vital that we tell the truth. 

God knows, and we know, and ultimately those of us that live in Christ will feel the pain and the burden when we are NOT truthful. It's better to be honest, even if it hurts, then to be dishonest and lead others astray. 

What is the difference and WHY does it matter? Telling the truth is what God asks of us, what He wants from us, and  we can ultimately lead a better life when we follow through with this. Let me tell you a story. 

Telling the Truth NOW Makes Life Easier Later 

If you look at this photo to the right, this gentleman seems to be struggling with telling the truth. Why is he struggling? In this case, let's say that he doesn't want to be so transparent and reveal who he really is in life. 

It may be that he wanted a certain life, but yet he didn't have it. He says things that elevate him, but they do nothing for anyone else. Sounds selfish right? Not to mention, it just isn't the truth, plain and simple folks. 

How about weight loss? He wants to lose 20 pounds, and he is anxious to get there. People start asking him, "So, how much have you lost?" His reply is, "I've lost 20 pounds!" Huh. That's odd, the scale only says 16 pounds down. 

It's so amazing how we do this, and the problem is the more we do it, the more we are okay with this. This is a problem of integrity, and it's a problem of character. Character is who you are when no one is looking, and your integrity is in question when you lie to them when you are talking to them. 

Telling the Truth Means Being Authentic 

Remember, it's best to be yourself, no matter who you are. Real love, is when people love you no matter what they know about you, and no matter what they have shared with you. This is why so many marriages fail. 

They are NOT authentic. 

Men and women hide bad habits, hide facts about their life to impress one another, or out of fear that they won't be loved as much as they could be otherwise. Unconditional love says that no matter what, love conquers all. Even if you tell the truth. 

Sometimes the truth is ugly folks, but it's alwayss right. So, ask yourself a few things:

• What truth can you tell today to someone you have lied to?
• What can you do now going forward to implement healthy behaviors?
• What one thing could you change to be a person of character? 

Think on these things, and remember, telling the truth is ALWAYS right! 

Fathers and Daughters-Where is Mom?

If you are a dad that has daughters, then you know that fathers and daughters have something special they share. It seems that oftentimes, moms and daughters clash; not always but most of the time it seems that way, right? If you have ever had a rift with your daughter, it probably tore you in half, and if she is now a teenager, you are finding out how protective you can really be. 

The truth is, our young women are suffering, and the pressures they feel even if for a moment are more than we could bear for them to feel. If we could just see what they often feel in the course of a day, we would do anything to make it go away. Unless you just aren't around. Are you developing a strong bond with your daughter, or are you absent in her life? 

Where is mom? Is she around, or is she absent to? It is one thing to be physically present, but it's another to be spiritually present, and experientially present. Make sense? You could be in the same room with your daugther, and still NOT be there. Have you ever done this? Listen up fathers, your daughters need you. Let me tell you a story about why fathers and daughters need to have a stronger bond than ever before. 

Fathers and Daughters Need a STRONG Bond for Her Own Good 

I can remember the day the call came, and then a post on Facebook of what I thought was the end of my friend's daugthers life forever. When a young woman her age, at 16 comes up missing, you can't be too sure that they will ever be found or ever return. Additonally, I had just been watching a broadcast about human trafficking and how big it was becoming as the result of our struggling economy. 

Could it be that we have missed something? How could this go so wrong? How could it be that even children from good homes where their parents loved them were being taken? Specifically, and furthermore, my friend is the single father of 3 little girls, and all because the mothers are deadbeats, completely absent from their daughters lives. The mothers? Yes, the mothers, can you imagine?

The story was, that she had left for school, and had never returned. The classic story of how young women are being taken all of the time. Within the next 15 minutes, the Amber Alert is out, and within an hour, she is spotted with a man aged 45, and he is on his way to California with her. What is the plan? He can easily trade her into the underground porn arena, or he can sell her as a sex slave. Human trafficking at it's best just like in a movie that you may have seen. 

Fathers and Daughters Issues in the Movie, Taken

The movie, TAKEN, did you see it? The father in the movie played by Liam Neeson fears that if he doesn't give in and let his daugther take the trip to Paris, that he will be regarded as the evil dad, and never see her again. 

In the movie, the mother nearly tries to pin this idea on the father, making him look that way so that she becomes the good parent. Is that what this is about? Whether divorced or not, are we really to a place where we as adults cannot put our differences aside for our own children? This issue is just one of many, and not to mention that when a father splits when his daughter is young, she has been abandoned by the number one man in her life, or at least who should have been the number one man in her life. 

So, what can you do to ensure that she knows she is your one and only princess? What can you do to make sure that she is prepared for marriage later in life, and to stand her ground?

1. Give her your undivided attention
2. If you do father-son things together, why not daddy-daughter dates too?
3. Make special dates with your daughter, so that she knows she is loved and treasured 
4. Teach her what it means to be respected and cherished above all others 
5. Reflect upon how you treat your wife, because she will get the same picture from you in what she should expect later in life 

Do NOT neglect this! It's an honor to be a father. It takes courage to sacrifice and make time for her, but the time you spend with her and help her grow as a woman is priceless. It has been said that:

"It is better to build boys and girls than to repair men and women".

Veterans Disability Ratings-Are They Fair?

Veterans disability ratings are what we refer to for a certain criteria when it comes time to assess their disability and rate of pay. The big question is whether or not it's being done the right way, and whether or not it's actually fair.

What would you say is the answer on this one? Wouldn't you say it's fair to find it easy to compensate those that have fought for our freedom? Wouldn't you say it's fair to compensate those that were sent to war to fight for this country period?

It's amazing to me how men and women can be sent overseas or anywhere for that matter to defend our country, and when they come back we tell them that they have no coverage for their disabilities as a result of the war.

We sent them, we cover them; RIGHT? If you were a veterand how would you feel?

While certain criteria need to be met in any case of disability, I would certainly hope that our men and women that fought for this country didn't have to jump through hoops to get what they need and deserve.

Can we get an amen?

No Need to Battle Over Veterans Disability Ratings 

If you have never understood the formula for veterans disability ratings, they exist just as they would for anyone with the need for:

1. An assessment
2. A criteria
3. Identification for the disability or disease 
4. Earnings capacity as a result of the disability or disease 

These are all important. I get it. What I struggle with, although I am NOT a veteran is that it seems that many of our service men and women have been throught his assessment only to not receive the pay that they thought they would be receiving. 

We have tons of veterans that have fought for us and are now disabled, but yet we have teen mom's having children and yet they are able to get their hands on just about anything they want or need. How does this work? 

Now we have another troubling story. Claims are being made that auditors that handle these disability cases are overcompensating veterans so that they can avoid working through the backlog of those that are waiting. While veterans disability ratings are put into place to help streamline the process, I find it interesting that in reality anyone could say that our veterans are being overcompensated. 

How is that possible? In my personal opinion, these men and women have more courage than the planet as a whole, but what do I know? No, I didn't serve, my father did, and both of my grandfathers did as well. I have so many more that served, but I didn't personally. This is why I have utmost respect for these men and women, and it's why I am saddened that these individuals are NOT getting the benefits they desperately need. 

How sad. Is there a solution? If so, what is that solution? 

Veterans Disability Ratings-Help Disabled Vets NOW! 

One of the things we can do, even if we feel that we have no control is that we can serve our disabled vets by offering our time and resources for free. We can offer to help them clean their homes, give to charities that help support them, and much more. 

Our veterans will never get enough help, and in some way we can all make our own contribution. We don't have to walk on water, but we can care about our vets and let them know how much we appreciate them. Our vets have given us our freedom, and many of them continue to fight overseas. What will you do?

A big part of living courageously is doing what is right even if you don't feel like it, or even if you don't believe that you have the time do do it. What are you waiting for? It's time for you to do something for someone else, and show them you love. Aside from what our government says about veterans disability ratings, it's time to serve! 

Live Courageously! 

Samira Ibrahim and the Plaque of Courage

Samira Ibrahim is a name that you may be familiar with, but if you are hearing her name for the first time, there is no better time than now to hear her story of courage.

Samira, is a woman like most other women that get to a place where they are fed up with feeling as though they are "not enough", or that they cannot live the life they believe that they were intended to live.

Have you ever been there? Whether you are a man or a woman it matters not, but I would venture to say that there are tons of women all around the world that are being told what to do, how to feel, and they are NOT all in America either.

Much like Samira, you are looking for something more, and in the US you have more freedom to do what you want. Her journey began January 25, 2011, when she ventured to Tahrir Square and she wanted to make her plea for a better life in regards to:

1. Getting food for her family
2. Justice
3. Equality in society and more 

What was the end result? Force by SCAF (Supreme Council of the Armed Forces). A test that would violate this woman down to her core along with thousands of women just like her. There are more facts you need to know about Samira Ibrahim.

Samira Ibrahim and SCAF

Leading up to the rally of Hosni Mubarak, SCAF brought impending doom and sorrow upon the Egyptian people, most of them were women. 

If you didn't hear of the virginity test, it isn't a pleasant experience for these women at all. In fact, with many young women being detained for wanting nothing more than freedom, the Egyptian Army did this to avoid allegations of rape. You can call it what you want, but making a young woman strip down to nothing for a "test to find out if she is a virgin" is unthinkable. 

Egypt has been viewed as a conservative country, so even talking about a test as such was hard for these women to do. Samira at the age of 26 struggled, but she didn't want other women to go through this if they were detained. 

Samira Ibrahim is the warrior behind the ban of this "virginity test", and women are relieved. Can you imagine? What if you were forced to do something that you knew wasn't right; would you pave the way for others to be free? 

This is a tough conversation that people don't want to have, but it takes courage to do it. I don't know if I would have that much courage, but we all have a story, right? Do you know something that you could speak out about to help others. What about the issue on bullying? 

That alone is a big issue here, and it needs to be one that we all take a stand against. There is enough pain in life without adding more to it. 

US Plans to Award Samira Ibrahim with Award of Courage 

In the news, it has been a sore issue, but the US still plans to award Samira Ibrahim with a plaque for courage for her stand in getting that "virginity test" banned. 

However, there is a delay simply because the US has been accused of making anti-semitic remarks. What say you? Whether we did or did not, if we plan to award a woman for her courage, we should. That won't change her, she has already changed her world in Egypt, and helped thousands of women in her own right. 

She was brave and courageous regardless of how this plays out. So, it is always easy to have courage? No, of course not, but it's always the right thing to do when someone can be helped. If that helps you move forward then think of it like that. 

Needless to say, I think we could all learn something great from Samira Ibrahim, and that is to live courageously. 

The Gift of Life

It has been said that the gift of life is to wake up each day, have our health, our ability to see, speak, think and do all of the things that we take for granted. We can wake up with a fresh vision, and set out to share more love with others, and teach more too.

Do you consider your life a gift? Or, is it something that you just take for granted? If you aren't living to your full potential, what are you afraid of?

The thing is, God has given us life, and has given us such an amazing opportunity to do amazing things. Yet, so many of us just live the status quo. We do just enough to get by, and yet we could be doing more, sharing more, and having more.

So, do you treasure life? Would you commit to living full out each day as if you had no barriers, nothing stopping you?

The Gift of Life is Also the Gift of Fear.....Kinda

Did you know that from the time we are born, we are super trusting yet we have no idea that we are as our parents hold us? A nurse will take us from their arms, yet we have no clue that this is taking place. 

As we get a bit older, we open our eyes, and we have a concept of fear. Something gets too close to your face and you are afraid, or you see an animal for the first time as a toddler, and you have no idea what it is. Even if a puppy ran up and licked your face and was sweet to you, you might cry. Right? 

Once you have an understanding of things, you then begin to determine what you are fearful of and what you are not fearful of. So, we become less dependent upon God to keep us safe, trusting in him, and we only trust in what we know. 

The gift of fear can be another version of the gift of life. This means that:

1. We get the chance to face that thing we fear and do it anyhow
2. We get the chance to face it off even if we feel like running away 
3. We can easily apply this to life, love, and other relationships 

So, what will you do with your gift? Will you unwrap it and try it out? Or, will you just leave it in the box and wait until later? 

The Gift of Life Won't be Around Forever 

It has been said that life is short, and this is true. I don't know about you, but even being in the first grade seems just like it were yesterday. 

Then I grew up, went to college, met my spouse, got married, got divorced, then suffered for a long time. Then I allowed God in, let go of my fear of being alone, and started living God's purpose for my life. Aha! This is when I met my new husband, and we are now trying to start a family. 

During this time, we have had many losses, a lot of pain, and yet we keep trying. Why? We face that thing we fear most, and we pursue it anyhow. Nothing is too big with our God. We have learned more about the gift of life in our experience than we would have otherwise. 

So, what will you do? 

Live courageously, and embrace the gift of life! 

Forgiveness is Always Courageous

Forgiveness is such a hot topic, but it's not always for the best reasons. In reality, most people talk about it because they don't want to forgive, and it's because they don't feel that they should have to.

It never ceases to amaze me how resistant people are to forgiveness, but it could be that many wish not to mend relationships, or it could be that they have grown up with this idea that they are owed something.

So, have you forgiven others in the past? If not, wouldn't you like to move forward with a clean slate? You can change your future, if you choose to make better choices.

Life is all about choices. Don't believe me? Let me tell you a story.

A Mother That Chose Forgiveness Over A Grudge

While it is true that people do horrible things, it's also true that bad things happen to good people. We don't always know why, in fact, we really have no business asking. God is God, and in our humanness, it is no surprise that so many are saying that they are burned out on people. Forgiveness still rules regardless. 

It seems there is a lot of anger these days, and with tough times, guns are being fired, and innocent lives are being taken. There is one such story that was on Oprah many years ago, where a mother was interviewed about her son's killer. Oprah was asking her how she has been coping with his death. 

For this mother, it was simple. She chose to forgive and received her peace in life.There really isn't any reason that she should look for reasons to forgive, but she did it because she knew that not everyone knew what she knew. She understood that some folks only do the best with what they know. 

In many cases that means that they:

1. Grew up in a dysfunctional home
2. Grew up in a violent environment-it's all they know 
3. They don't know Jesus, and they don't have the spirit of love 
4. Don't value the relationship involved

This could be the case for anyone, but it's best that you do what you know is right. Do you believe that it's right to forgive? If someone hurts you, are you quick to forgive? Don't let the stuff of life get in your way, and be sure that you always let people know you love them, and that you value them. 

Remember, forgiveness is simply an act of courage my friends. 

LIVE COURAGEOUSLY! 

Mother Theresa a Woman of Courage

You might be wondering why so many loved Mother Theresa, and why so many looked up to her. It wasn't about her good works but it was always in fact about her compassion for others. Her belief was that no matter how others reacted to her kindness, she would still do it anyhow.

It has been said to have access to her diaries would have been a monumental gift, but with that aside, it's worth studying her as a woman to see how as a figure of compassion and grace, she had ways of sharing love that most of us wouldn't consider.

So, what is it about Mother Theresa that gives us such a great example to follow? It was probably her ability to speak about kindness and compassion, but also her ability to truly carry it out.

Who is Mother Theresa? 

If you aren't familiar with Mother Theresa, you should be. Learning to be more courageous and compassionate has everything to do with her these days. 

While some of us cannot fathom all of her time spent on those less fortunate, she believed it to be the ONLY way to live her life. In fact, if you have ever watched The Secret, you know that they mention her. Perhaps it's not the law of attraction, but it's probably the fact that:

• She was only focused on doing and NOT having
• She lived what she taught
• She was consistent
• She cared for those that no one else would care for 

As a result, people looked to her as a great example, but were often still not prepared to do what she was doing. Let's face it, if someone smells bad, are we anxious to get closer to them? No. In fact, I know I often don't feel that way. 

No joke intended here, but it's getting close to those that no one else wants to get close to that builds courage in your life whether you realize it or not. It is just that we don't WANT to do something? Or is it perhaps because people fear that they will be rejected by others? 

Perhaps isolation is a better word, because your friends may not follow you or support your endeavor. It takes courage to do what others won't, and to keep on doing it when everyone else has walked away. Does that make sense? 

So, what are you doing or focusing on doing to help others? Do you volunteer your time, or do you make it a point to compliment people each day? Do you make it a point to do more of something you should have done a long time ago?

No matter what the case may be, the thing is you need to understand that to be who God wants you to be, it will require you to do things you normally wouldn't consider. So, can you do that? Do you long to be courageous? 

Only you can decide for yourself. 

If you want to live courageously, read the story of Mother Theresa, and then focus on just serving others. It takes courage to serve too, because you may not get anything in return. Are you willing to accept that? 

Live Courageously! 

Rosa Parks, a Courageous Woman

Rosa Parks is no doubt a wonderful figure of our American history. If there ever was a statement to be made of a courageous woman, then she gets my attention. The thing is, most people may not view her as courageous, bu she truly is.

Why?

Because Rosa Parks did something at that time that was unheard of. She was a black woman that wouldn't take no for an answer, and she sat  on the same side of  the bus as a white man, and stood up for her civil rights.

Rosa Parks Revolutionary Act of Courage 

Not only did Rosa Parks sit on the same side of the bus as a white man, but she wouldn't give up her seat for a white man. Can you say,"Go Rosa?" 

No doubt it caused a stir, but why should this have EVER been the case? Her courage launched the Civil Rights movement, and as a result she was arrested. So, who is this woman really?

Parks  wasn't just a woman, but she was a well known woman. In fact, she was the secretary of the Montgomery Chapter of the NAACP. She had held this position since the year 1943, and she was more than happy to challenge the Jim Crow laws. 

These laws were set on public transportation and the plan to boycott bussing be equal for all. At the time, man tried to get her to say that she wouldn't stand due to her sore feet. I love how Parks states that:

"The only tired I was, was tired of giving in."-Rosa Parks

That my friends is courage, it's persistence, it's being bold, it's being confident, and all of the other things that Americans should be. Perhaps, she is one of the greatest profiles in history to look to when it comes to taking a stand for the courage of women too. 

So, what did Parks do with her moment of fame? 

What Happened to Rosa Parks?

At the time I don't believe that Rosa Parks got the recognition that her act of courage deserved. In fact, I think it was so watered down that it was a shame that we didn't really hold her up until later in life for what she did. 

How sad, that it took years for people to view her as courageous, and to appreciate her willingness to stand up for what she believed was right and true. 

Parks went on to work as a seamstress, never speaking of what happened on that day. Would you say that she was due much respect? I would. Most people today do an act of courage, or what they feel is courageous, but all they want to do is talk about how wonderful they are. 

They have no desire to really teach others how to do the same. This is what Courageous Life is really all about. We need more acts of courage, and we need leaders and mentors. 

To learn more about Courageous Life, and how you can share your courage with others through our apparel, then CLICK HERE NOW! 

Courageous Prayer

Courageous prayer may not be a term you hear a lot, BUT, the truth is, it wouldn't be. WHY? I don't believe  Christians are really about courageous prayer, but rather they want to know the quickest way to get a prayer by God.

The reality is that, this type of prayer doesn't really work-AT ALL. We are in a hurry, worried about our own issues, and to think of taking time out our day to pray when we have meetings and obligations doesn't suit us.

REALLY?

What if God said he didn't have time for you? Where would you be then? What would you do without any favor from the ALMIGHTY GOD?

Courageous Prayer Means Being Bold 

It has been said that, "to be bold is to be a REAL Christian." What would you say to that? Do you get angry, or do you agree? 

Think about the last time you prayed deeply for someone. Did you go to God with everything in you? Or, did you just simply go with leftovers when you felt "up to it". I have had those days, I won't lie. I am honest, and truthfully, God has HIS way with me. 

Let me tell you a story about failure to be bold, and lifting up one of my sisters in Christ in courageous prayer. 

I went to lunch with a friend of mine, and we were talking about her separation from her husband. It was bad, and I could relate, and I only gave advice when she asked. The thing is, I didn't agree with her decision, because I just didn't see it. It just sounded like she just wanted to give up, and go the easy way out. 

I told her I would pray for her, and I did, but I was lazy. My prayer was weak, and it went something like this. 

"Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for Lila, that you would give her wisdom and strength in dealing with her husband. I pray for her children that you would give them a peace that passes all understanding." That was it. I was so tired, so I thought, "Oh, I'll get back to it." Two weeks later my phone rings, and I was sickened. 

"We are getting a divorce. I'm tired, I'm just so tired, I'm done. I love my kids, but I'm tired of being used, and just run ragged. I clean house, that is all I do. I'm sick of it." 

Wow. 

I was tired too, and so.....here we are. I am an intercessor, and I know that. I am called to be set apart, but oh well, I'm tired. I had the fire, but oh well. This is the new age of Christians, and God is sorely displeased. 

He wants courageous prayer, bold prayer, and he wants willing servants. He is tired of our attitude, BUT he loves us anyhow. 

HE interceeds for us. Aren't you glad God never gets tired of us and our shenanigans? What if God just said, oh well, I'm tired. You want healing? Oh well, I'm tired. Wow, just wow. Where would we be? 

Courageous prayer. 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Live courageously!

Is Courage Unconditional Love?

The question of the day is this; is unconditional love the same as courage? Hmmm, great question right?

Unconditional love is a touchy subject. Sad, but true. However, unconditional love is always right.

Whether you are talking about your spouse or children if you truly love someone, you love them unconditionally.

So, when you look at your spouse, do you love them? Are you in love with them? There is a difference, but love is always right too.

However, what would it take for you to say no to their love?

The Book of Hosea Spells Courage 

If courage is the same as unconditional love, then it's time for us to have a serious talk. It is courageous to love someone regardless of what they have done, and that ends up being a long list. So, do you have the Hosea kind of courage? 

If you have never read the book of Hosea, you need to. In fact, let's take it a step further. The prophet Hosea was courageous in that he loved his wife even though he knew that she was a prostitute. He loved her, and God commanded Hosea to go back and get her even though she went back into the brothel. 

The truth is, God asked Hosea to do something that not many people would do, and Hosea followed through with love. He went in and paid the price for her, and took her home, loving her no different than he ever loved her. 

I am sure his heart hurt for knowing that she was with other men, but he wanted her, he loved her so much, he had to go back and get her, no matter what she had done, and he loved her unconditionally. 

Wouldn't it take a great deal of courage in this day and age to do that? You bet it would, no doubt. This is no easy feat. 

I don't know if I could honestly say the same for loving my husband, knowing he had slept with 20 women. Let's face it a brothel is loaded with customers all of the time. The number 20 could be a small number, don't you think? 

So, do you have courage?

Just remember that when you are thinking about giving up on someone, whether it be your spouse or your children, do you have the courage it takes to love them? 

Live courageously! 

Abraham Lincoln a Courageous Man

As we look at profiles of courageous leaders, it's no surprise that Abraham Lincoln would be at the top of the list. Lincoln is known as a leader for many different reasons, and he has no doubt been the topic of conversation this past year as the movie that came out was all the rage about Lincoln and his life.

When the movie starts out, it hits home what he was all about, and when talking with the African American soldiers, he knew that he still stood behind abolishing slavery no matter what. Why? Because the men he spoke to were just like you and me, and they were fighting just the same as white men.

It took courage to stand up for what he believed in, and make no mistake that what he believed was on target with our God stands for and created us for. To help our fellow man, and to live life courageously.

Abraham Lincoln Among Courageous Leaders of All Time 

While Abraham Lincoln was courageous for taking a stand against slavery, for what other reasons was he considered a courageous leader? 

Lincoln was a family man, and was dedicated to having his young son around almost all of the time, even when he was out and about trying to find more men to side with him against slavery. He read as many books as he could so that he could learn. 

He begged his mother for books to read because he grew up poor, and at that time he was believed to be among those that wouldn't get opportunities like the other children. 

No matter what happened, nothing seemed to phase Lincoln, and as a result of determination to learn and read, he was becoming more educated by the minute. If you have never seen his list of failures until he got to where he wanted to be, then now would be a great time to take a look at it. 

List of Failures of Abraham Lincoln

List of Lincoln's failures

A common list of the failures of Abraham Lincoln (along with a few successes) is:

1831 - Lost his job

1832 - Defeated in run for Illinois State Legislature

1833 - Failed in business

1834 - Elected to Illinois State Legislature (success)

1835 - Sweetheart died

1836 - Had nervous breakdown

1838 - Defeated in run for Illinois House Speaker

1843 - Defeated in run for nomination for U.S. Congress

1846 - Elected to Congress (success)

1848 - Lost re-nomination

1849 - Rejected for land officer position

1854 - Defeated in run for U.S. Senate

1856 - Defeated in run for nomination for Vice President

1858 - Again defeated in run for U.S. Senate

1860 - Elected President (success)

Now that you have read this list, how does it make you see things differently? The truth is, "Abraham Lincoln" is one of the best examples you could ever follow. Make it a point to study the folks that we are talking about to have a solid idea of how to pattern your life. 

Be proud of the fact that you wish to live courageously, and let others know by wearing it too! Be sure to check back for the next profile of courageous leaders, and CLICK HERE to learn how you can wear your courage today!