#WorthRevisit - The Courage to Be Happy

The Courage to Live Simply

Personally, I am not good with courage or living simply.

My anxieties have me afraid of pretty much everything:

lightning storms
spiders, snakes, anything that creeps
germs
being alone
injury or illness to my kids; just to name a few.

As I have well documented in my Money Monday series; my inability to live within my means for the last 30+ years has wreaked havoc on my finances and my peace of mind. Where was Pope Francis’ message when I needed it?

If I’m honest, would I have even listened back then?

Well, luckily as long as I’m breathing – there is always time to find out. Here’s the amazing thing about being a believer and a friend of God – “see I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5); today I can make the changes necessary to embrace this message and apply its teaching to my current (and for hence forth) circumstances.

Life requires courage. That is clear in the horrific events of this year – just making the decision to leave our homes can be cause for pause. In the case of my dear friend from our parish, stabbed in her own home by a random act by a distraught young man, even home doesn’t feel safe any longer. There is illness and accidents; and so much beyond our control that can lead our hearts to ache; and fall into despair and fear. As a person who has battled anxiety her entire life (diagnosed with a ‘nervous stomach’ at age 9); just watching the news or reading social media can send me spiraling into a panic attack.

So what do we do?

Where do we find the courage and strength to get out of bed each morning, to love life and those you are blessed to share it with, and to embrace the promise and hope of an unseen heavenly abode? We do so with great faith. Faith is the assurance and surety of what we can not see BUT know to be true (Hebrews 11:1). Courage is embarking on the journey or task IN THE FACE of fear, not in the absence of it! There can be no COURAGE without FEAR! They are beautifully and mystically co-dependent; as are we (and infinitely more so) with God! Christ came to give us life – not just get by until we die – but one of ABUNDANCE! This overflow of grace is not a material possession but a spiritual one. A gift that brings peace, joy and trust in a world that seems on a collision course of destruction or at the very least, determined to force us all to live forever on edge. It requires a surrender of self – and a turning to one greater than ourselves; which in turn requires humility.

For me, the anxiety always exists – but I combat it with great courage using the weapons of scripture, participation in the Sacraments of the Catholic Church; and with prayer (lots and lots). “Pray without ceasing” St Paul exhorts – and I do so by holding a continual conversation with the unseen world in my thoughts. Instead of talking to myself; which usually only causes a deeper spiral because I do not always remember the truth nor maintain the light in my heart. No, I need to reach to those who are basking in the light of Christ and gazing upon the face of God. My saint posse – St Therese; Venerable Fr. Solanus Casey, Padre Pio St. Faustina, and Servant of God Patrick Peyton – are on speed dial; along with my guardian angel and the Blessed Mother. They keep me connected to the Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and help me to remain focused on the prize of heaven, and to live simply and bravely.

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