Lucky Wife and Mom to 2 Girls

For the past 3 months I have been the unofficial secretary for my small group at my church.  Every week I send out a newsletter reminding people of what chapter needs to be read for next week, special dates, birthdays and prayer requests.  I also try to include a poem or story that relates to what we had been talking about… so I google all over the internet finding just the right verse for each week and story…

Well one week I came across the following poem.  I didn’t use it in my newsletter, but it has stuck with me and I think about it often.  I realized that I have been living with strength but had no courage.  That has changed recently, I am gaining courage and it has proven to be rewarding.

I wish you all courage…

Strength & Courage

It takes strength to be firm.
It takes courage to be gentle.

It takes strength to stand guard.
It takes courage to let down your guard.

It takes strength to conquer.
It takes courage to surrender.

It takes strength to be certain.
It takes courage to have doubt.

It takes strength to fit in.
It takes courage to stand out.

It takes strength to feel a friend’s pain.
It takes courage to feel your own pain.

It takes strength to hide your own pains.
It takes courage to show them.

It takes strength to endure abuse.
It takes courage to stop it.

It takes strength to stand alone.
It takes courage to lean on another.

It takes strength to love.
It takes courage to be loved.

It takes strength to survive.
It takes courage to live.

Author Unknown