Fear. Courage. Opposing Forces? Here’s The Missing Link!

Did you ever play with magnets as a kid? There was something fascinating about the “click” of two magnets coming together and the resistance of two opposing each other. Did you ever wonder why that happened? Of course, there is a scientific explanation.

The law of attraction and repulsion. Opposing forces (negative and positive charges) attract and like forces (negative-negative and positive-positive charges) repel each other. From this scientific vantage point, what is your perspective when it comes to fear and courage?

First, let’s begin with a definition of both.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, fear is defined as “an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful, or bad that is happening or might happen.” Fears can arise that are real, imagined, or anticipated as a result of internal chatter, external circumstances, and/or past experiences.

The Cambridge Dictionary, also defined courage as “the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation.” Yet, there are many types of courage beyond bravery. Courage is all about your response.

So, let’s get back to you.

  • Do you perceive fear and courage as a negative? As a result, are you unable to find the courage to face your fear or expect a positive outcome?

  • Do you perceive fear and courage as a positive? Do you use courage to ignore the negative aspects of reality or blame others to avoid pain and accountability? As a result, do you find yourself repeating the same mistakes over and over or experiencing the same difficulties over and over?

  • Or do you perceive fear and courage as opposing forces? When fear and courage are seen as opposing forces, connectors, you have the courage to take positive action. The Cambridge Dictionary also defined the phrase, have the courage of your convictions “to be brave and confident enough to do what you believe in.”

When fear, faith, and courage come together, God guides us to act. I don’t know about you, but when I include the missing link of faith (prayer, scripture, wise counsel, etc.), God provides wisdom, discernment, and direction that lead to better outcomes. My courage is God-inspired, that is, my strength and resolve are rooted in Him, our relationship, and His purposes.

At Innovative Leadership Solutions, we have identified the 5 most common Giants facing leaders, teams, and organizations. Every Giant in your life brings fear along with them. To become a battle-ready leader, team, and organization, you must pick up some stones (rock-solid solutions) to face and take down your Giants anytime, anywhere, and any place.

Just like a warrior, you must train to become battle-ready. By the way, warriors would pray before entering battle. While you may not be going to war, your reality is filled with many challenges and fears (i.e., failure, rejection, punishment, etc.) which can be a “battle.” Do not let your Giants trigger these fears that keep you fighting, avoiding, and/or paralyzed to take action. “Courage is fear that has said its prayers” is a quote from American silent actress, Dorothy Bernard. While her intent may not have been faith-based, I believe her metaphor is spot on.

Do not succumb to the Giants in your work and life! Run towards your Giants with God’s help first and experience courage in a whole new light with better outcomes!

Fear-Faith-Courage.

“Never let your fear decide your future.” Dipak Agarwal

Click here to learn more about the 5 most common Giants.

  • Which Giant is most threatening to you?

  • What is the fear you are experiencing today?

  • What do you want to do differently when facing a fear?

  • How will you include the missing link of faith before acting with courage?

  • How will that choice result in a better outcome?

I am interested in learning more about your “battle.” Let’s talk! Schedule a free consulting call by clicking here to access my calendar.

Christmas Possibilities

If you’re like me, you spend time watching Hallmark movies during the holidays. Each movie has a predictable plot and outcome, yet you find yourself drawn to watching as many of them as you can! The storyline goes like this…

Two lives meet by “chance” and fall in love. Each person has their challenges and struggles. One person is in a relationship that isn’t “true love” or has been hurt in a previous relationship. Through experiencing a new environment with new people and an open heart and mind, the possibility of something more fulfilling emerges. Even when things look bleak, you know that each person chooses to make changes in their lives so they can be together. It is a happily ever after and it all happens at Christmastime.

Yet Christmas possibilities run deeper, don’t they?

Perhaps you love Christmas because of the possibilities to be surprised. Maybe an unexpected proposal, gift, job, or opportunity.

Yet Christmas possibilities run even deeper, don’t they?

Perhaps it is the possibility of gathering with friends and family that isn’t possible during other times of the year. Maybe it is a time of relational healing and restoration between spouses, family, and friends.

Yet, Christmas possibilities run even deeper, don’t they?

Is there any wonder why possibilities emerge around Christmastime? No.

While there are many meaningful and memorable possibilities that emerge at Christmastime, the true meaning of Christmas was affirmed and fulfilled by God long ago! You can find the account of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-20.

God is not like a Santa Claus or genie. He is about so much more than granting a mere hopeful wish to come true. He knows what is best for us, what we truly long for, and He is the giver of all good things (James 1:17). He knows what we need because He created us in His image (Genesis 1:27).

During the holidays, the season of Advent, we ponder and prepare our hearts with the anticipation of Christ’s birth. The long awaited Savior, the possibility of Him coming to Earth, is fulfilled! God keeps His promises because He is faithful and loves us!

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16

Talk about the ultimate Christmas possibility that came true, emerged out of unconditional love, extreme sacrifice, eternal significance, priceless value, and redemptive power! What a gift! A gift that changes EVERYTHING, for you, for me, for the entire world!

CHRISTmas Blessings to you!