Courage is Fear That Has Said its Prayers ~ Karl Barth (Theologian)

Courage is defined by Merriam Webster as, "The mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.” An individual who behaves courageously may strive to remain productive, endeavor to overcome struggles and remain steadfast with the intent of contributing and serving others despite considerable obstacles. In terms of health, well-being and healing, we may need to act or move forward toward interventions, treatments and practices despite the challenges, unknowns and unfamiliarity.

Some view true courage as not the absence of fear but the ability to remain steadfast in word, deed or intention despite fear and trepidation. Fear is regarded as a primary emotion and defined as, “An unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.” People of faith may commonly combat the unpleasant instability generated from difficulties and trials by leaning into the ancient practice of prayer. The data suggest that people who participate in the faith-based practice of prayer experience more hope and reportedly enjoy a heightened sense of peace and stability. Prayer, a type of meditation aimed at God, activates the parasympathetic nervous system decreasing physiological and emotional stress responses--creating calm. The World Health Organization promotes a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to health promotion as a framework for addressing human health and well-being from a whole-person perspective. As the blog title suggests, courage may just be fear that has said its prayers!