courage is not the absence of fear.

you got someone here wants to make it alright
someone who loves you more than life right here
you got willing arms that'll hold you tight
a hand to lead you on through the night right here
i know your heart can get all tangled up inside
but don't you keep it to yourself
when your long day is over
and you can barely drag your feet
the weight of the world is on your shoulders
i know what you need bring it on home to me.

top three of what i'm thankful for:

(1) that the Lord knows where my home really is, hallelujah! but He is blessing me with friends and family and life here in this temporary home on earth. yes, things are a roller coaster and there are days where i'm tired of existing among the hurt and pain and ugliness of this broken world. despite all of this, i'm thankful for joy found in the ashes of beauty instilled in me because of His promise of perfection in Heaven and His purpose for all things. [colossians 1:4-5, romans 8:28]

(2) that the Lord will fight for me. How evident is it that He wants to be my personal God and Savior? that He loves me? if He is for me, then who is against me? [romans 8:31] He's willing to take on stresses and burdens and anxieties and wounds and scars and weariness and everything that weighs on my heart. it is no problem for me. what does he want from me? to just be still in His presence and know that He is God. [exodus 14:14, psalm 46] but i must first relinquish control of the reigns, the to-do lists, the plans.

(3) that the Lord did not give me a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. [2 timothy 1:7] even when it comes to being passive or active, especially when it feels like i'm more of the former during this semester, the Lord is actively using me. despite me. with me. even me. He wants me to be bold with love, to not be afraid to be real with Him and others, and to respond how He would respond. He's more than okay with me being weak, and He has given me the courage to realize what is more important than fear.

...and i pray that every day i remember to be thankful for what He has done. i am still learning daily how to be thankful. i love you. :)