Courage on Loan from God
I have been afraid many times in my life. Have you?
What is courage? I am amazed when I hear or read about courageous people but would never think of myself as one of them.
For example, after college when I became a junior high teacher in Burbank, the first week as I faced a classroom of rowdy kids who knew I was new, I was terrified. Could I do this after all that training? You would hardly call it courageous! But, because I was determined to succeed, I pretended to be confident. And prayed a lot! Over time, I became a good teacher and loved it. Even loved the kids. My first motivation? Fear of failure.
In later years when my daughters were grown, I realized that I was on my own. Why not try some of the things I’ve always wanted to do, believing that there are no failures, only lessons. I went back to school at Pasadena City College and studied broadcasting, taking my first job as a DJ and later in 1981 in Los Angeles doing the news at the top of the hour. Scared? You bet. That’s not courage either. Then, because I needed to make more money to prepare for being older, I went into radio sales going out to find advertisers for the station. I had no experience and was lucky to get the job when the other account executives, all men, had impressive resumes… and weren’t too pleased to see me coming. But I needed the job. So, fear and all, I just worked hard. Once again, motivated by fear of failure. But why not at least try?
I turned to scripture for strength:
Have I not COMMANDED you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
…whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Here’s what some famous people have said about failure, courage and success.
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” (Winston Churchill)
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.” (Confucius)
“It is better to try big things even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor souls who neither enjoy much nor suffer much.” (Theodore Roosevelt)
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” (Walt Disney)
“I have learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” (Nelson Mandela)
“Start by doing what is necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” (author unknown)
“The world is moving so fast today that the man who says it can’t be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.” Harry Fosdick
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” (Thomas Edison)
For example, suppose as a young black man your father told you that to be the best in anything, you’d have to try twice as hard to even be given the opportunity to succeed? So, why try? Why not just play your victim card? This young man, Tiger Woods, chose to work twice as hard to be a great golfer against all odds competing only against himself. He once said that if you want to be a great golfer, be willing to hit a thousand balls a day. If you’re not willing to put in the work, don’t complain if you aren’t successful. I mean, who does that? I am not willing to hit 1,000 balls a day!
I can apply that attitude to every area of my life. And thank God, I did succeed in each of those careers through sheer hard work and, of course, lots of prayers. So, when I went into real estate in 1992, a terrible market at the time, once again I had no experience but wanted to at least try. So what if I fail? I’d go try something else. For 23 years, I enjoyed success loving my clients and even the challenges of tons of legal paperwork. Of course, all these career changes were stressful.
After being urged all my life to write my life story, I retired from real estate three years ago to write knowing that it would encourage others. I decided, once again, to risk failure. But the journey resulted in THAT ONE PERSON, by me, Annie Farris, which was published. Of course, I am forever grateful for the loved ones and friends who have encouraged me along the way. With 5-star ratings on amazon.com and many endorsements, I must give credit especially to Laurey Venn, BBF Dee Ransom and my daughter Stacey who would not let me give up. It has been worth the journey to hear from readers I’ve never met who have said that my life has made a difference in their lives. And, of course, once again I started the adventure not knowing if it would be successful. I’m ready now for any adventure because I can see that God’s not finished with me yet.
Ask yourself if many of your successes in life, professionally or in your relationships, has been because you had courage that you didn’t know you had. How many times have I wanted to curl up in a fetal position under the covers and not face the challenges? I’ll bet you have had those moments too. But we have made the choice, not to be a victim or go on a pity party.
Where is God in all this?
Recently as I faced the uncertainties of the future, I was reading Hebrews 11. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. What follows is a parade of heroes of the faith who chose to trust God even though they did not live to see His promises fulfilled: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah, Joseph, Moses and many more. The Lord spoke to my heart to write my own Hebrews 11. “By faith Annie…and I named all the times in my life when God provided for me, rescued me, healed my heart, guided me through every failure and every success. And in every situation loaned me His courage that I didn’t know I had.
I challenge you to write your own Hebrews 11. Surely, if He has been with me all this time, he will be with me until he calls me home.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I did not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
God bless you all, my friends.
Annie
Enjoy reading Annie’s recently published inspirational memoir, THAT ONE PERSON, by Annie Farris, written to encourage you in these challenging times. Now available on Amazon for $15.95, and Kindle for $9.99. Endorsed by Pat Boone and 18 others with numerous 5-star reviews. It makes a great gift!
AFTER YOU’VE READ THE BOOK, PLEASE GO TO AMAZON.COM AND WRITE A REVIEW. Amazon will only allow Annie to advertise after she has 100 5 star reviews, a daunting job for a new author!
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