Seven Days of Gratitude: Day 1

SHINING LIGHT

DAY 1: Courage

By: Gabriela Yareliz

My dear friends,

Welcome to the 2020 edition of the Seven Days of Gratitude. This year’s list is definitely shaped by what we have endured this year. It has been a season of loss and suffering. One of isolation and big changes to our day-to-day lives. That said, there is still so much to be grateful for. I encourage you to join us on this gratitude journey.

Please share your gratitude reflections via posts and stories with #7daysofgratitude and tag us. As always, I am grateful for you. I hope those of you outside of the United States participate and share in why so many of us love the holiday of Thanksgiving.

Wishing all of you a beautiful season of gratitude.

xx

GY

DAY 1: COURAGE

Today’s theme is courage. Enduring this year has not been for the weak. Many of us faced loss, illness and grief. Maybe a family member was ill; maybe you faced an unexpected diagnosis. Maybe you lost a job or lost relationships. Whatever you faced this year with God, it took courage to keep pressing forward.

I personally have seen close family battle illness, surgeries and diagnosis. I have seen friends who have lost loved ones. I have seen people close to me demonstrate incredible resilience and strength, as they face the unknown. This season has unleashed courageous prayers. (Scripture tells us to go boldly to the throne of grace to find mercy and grace in a time of need– Hebrews 4:16).

Recently, I heard a person describe their grandmother’s journey into this country decades ago. She said she admired her grandmother’s courage, and that any time she felt afraid, she remembers her grandmother’s strength and courage. Her grandmother demonstrated the courage to make a decision that shaped later generations. Did you know that your courage can have lasting ripple effects and impacts (even for generations)?

Take a minute to review the past couple of months. Where did God give you courage? Did God use someone else’s courage to touch your life?

Someone I admire deeply is my mother. She had the courage to give us a fresh start and new life, and she trusted God to provide and guide us. Her courage led her to concrete actions that gave me a life that defied all the odds. A blessed life. I am eternally grateful for her courage. When I am afraid, I remember her courage.

Is there someone in your life whose courage has impacted your life for the better? A family member who migrated, a family member who had the courage to start a new life, learn a new language, or maybe a person from scripture whose courageous journey you identify with?

The courage of others can often be a catalyst for our own courage in the darkest times.

Whose courage has given you strength in a difficult time?

Share with us your list of people or a person whose courage you admire or how God infused you with courage this year. Share on stories or post on IG, and tag us @modernwitnesses_ and #7daysofgratitude. You can also find us on Twitter @modernwitnesses.

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“Courage dear heart.” C.S. Lewis