The Gifts of Imperfections

Courage, Compassion and Connection

The entire time I was reading the section “Courage, Compassion and Connection,” I couldn’t stop smiling! My heart was filled with comfirmational joy! I knew without doubt, God had led me to this book with intent purpose. I hope you are just as moved and inspired!

“Shame storms” my, oh my!! Haven’t we all been through those?

“When the shame winds are whipping all around me, it’s impossible to hold on to any perspective or to recall anything good about myself. I went right into the bad self-talk of –God, I’m such an idiot. Why did I do that?”

I can definitely relate to this statement!-

Dr. Brene’ Brown definition of courage was extremely inspiring for me.

Wholeheartedness requires ordinary courage. Here’s what I mean… The root of the word courage is cor—the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage had a very different definition than it does today. Courage originally meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Over time, this definition has changed, and, today, courage is more synonymous with being heroic. Heroics is important and we certainly need heroes, but I think we’ve lost touch with the idea that speaking honestly and openly about who we are, about what we’re feeling, and about our experiences (good and bad) is the definition of courage. Heroics is often about putting our life on the line. Ordinary courage is about putting our vulnerability on the line. In today’s world, that’s pretty extraordinary.

I know it will be challenging to practice ordinary courage. How can you/I possibly tell other people about things we are ashamed of. I have four daughters and each of them has their own unique personality. You and I all have unique personalities. The good news is God knows that. He created you. He knows everything about you. He will never ask you to say or do anything without His help.

Moses was far from perfect. Moses had several “shame storms” in his own life, both before and after God called him to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. God communicated with Moses, strengthening and bringing courage to him. God will give you the courage to do whatever he has called you to do. He will be with you, keep seeking and believing in Him.

What would you do different if you had more ordinary courage?

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