“Fencer,” 1906, George’s Demeny. Image from a page of the 2013 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store

Having the courage…The look in my beloved’s eyes conveyed a bravery that I’d never seen in them before.

“When I am most afraid, I become my most courageous.”  Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com

“Having the courage” can potentially lead to many noble and fearless actions.  Some may be as common as boarding an airplane for the first time; others may involve risking one’s life for another.  The first thing that came to my mind when I pondered the phrase, “having the courage,” was a particular memory about my late husband.

Prior to receiving the diagnosis of having tonsillar cancer, Steve underwent surgery to remove the suspicious tonsil.  I remember him noting how strange he though it was that his doctor would tell him that he was “very brave” during the surgery.  Steve remarked that all he had done was lie on the operating table, after all.  It was later when he received confirmation that in fact he did have cancer, that we both realized what his doctor meant when he stated that Steve was very brave.  Thinking back, remembering the moment when Steve relayed the diagnosis of his cancer to me, I got a glimpse of what “having the courage” really means.

The look in my beloved’s eyes conveyed a bravery that I’d never seen in them before.  As he spoke the words, “I do have cancer” to me, a quivering fear caused his eyes to fill with tears, then he immediately composed himself, stoically…and so it began…

Having the Courage

(a poem dedicated to my courageous husband)

To have received such devastating news,

indeed you were very brave, my love.

Your strength, your courage, your determination,

displayed the power that embodied you from above.

Although you suffered, your spirit thrived,

throughout all the discomfort, and the pain.

Having the courage to face whatever might come,

the memory of your bravery, will forever in my heart remain.

Felecia R. Weber 2015, OntheWingofaDove.com

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave your nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

When life challenges you with difficulties, may you always stand firm, having the courage to face them…remembering that God is always ready and willing to see you through them.

Peace and love,

Felecia