“COURAGE” by Judith H
Rev. George’s theme for the month of October is COURAGE. Judith H. has been musing about this theme for some time, as she designs the sanctuary niches for October.
She encourages us to take heed of the difficult times ahead and to muster up as much courage as we are able, to authentically and mindfully seek it wherever we can possibly find it. When she thinks about her own courage, she relates to the words of Louisa May Alcott, “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.”
COURAGE is the ability to act despite fear, uncertainty, or discomfort for a worthy or noble purpose. Small everyday acts, like setting boundaries, admitting mistakes, or speaking up respectfully are just as courageous as heroic feats. Brene Brown says, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” E.E. Cummings states, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
For one of the niches, Judith has chosen to interpret the well-loved fairytale, Hansel and Gretal. She enjoys the process of discovery while illustrating a spiritual theme with the power of a story. J.R.R. Tolkien says, “the realm of fairy-story is wide and deep and high and filled with many things: all manner of beasts and birds are found there, enchanting beauty and an ever-present peril, both joy and sorrow as sharp as swords.
In Grimm’s tale, a brother and sister are taken into the deep, dark woods by their father and stepmother, because they can’t afford to feed them. But with abiding COURAGE and love in their hearts for each other, they move forward in the face of uncertainty and great fear. They even survive the clutches of the old witch in the sugar house, remember?
For the other niche, Judith gathered as many scary things as she could find. She hopes they don’t scare you too much! After all, Halloween is fast approaching, filled with a plethora of fearful entities. We all experience fears as we journey through life, and COURAGE is often hard to find.
Fear not! Symbols of COURAGE abound in the world and always have. Powerful symbols have helped humans throughout history garner their courage and act in ways they could never imagine. Judith chose a few common symbols of courage to guide and comfort the hero.
She is surrounded by the following: the “cowardly lion” (not anymore), the powerful eagle, the gentle bear, the fearsome (not really) dragon, beloved Buddha, comforting wildflowers, and a precious crystal. Judith asks us to consider, “Where do you find your COURAGE?”
ENJOY THE NICHES. I CREATED THEM JUST FOR YOU!
