Courage Is Fear That Has Said Its Prayers

"Courage Is Fear That Has Said Its Prayers" - Anne Lamott

Fear is part of the human condition. There are a lot of things that scare us, and that's by design. People have all sorts of ways for dealing with it--drugs, alcohol, exercise, faith, meditation, denial, and the list goes on.

Consider what Anne Lamott has to say on this subject--"courage is fear that has said its prayers". As a Christian, I love this, and find it very grounding. It makes me think of one of my favorite Christian concepts -- that of "surrendering". In the Christian context, that would mean surrendering to God/Christ. In another faith tradition that may just mean surrendering to a higher power.

When we surrender in this way, it is a beautiful thing. It is peace in the face of chaos. It is serenity in the face of a storm. It is an unexpected calm that comes from giving up, which in this context, somehow remains virtuous. So next time your scared, say your prayers, and ironically...give up. See if courage, as a gift from somewhere, doesn't come your way.