Conference Minister Corner | 5/11/2025

38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.

“I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

- 1 Samuel 17: 38-40

I find myself talking a lot with folks about courage lately. What does it take to find our courage for the facing of these days? Ironically, I find we often think about courage in such a way that makes it more difficult for us to fully engage it.

We often talk about courage as though it is the same for everyone. Courage in our culture can be presented as a one-size-fit-all Jedi robe that you wrap around yourself and all of a sudden you have a lightsaber and Force powers. But nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone wears their courage differently. Everyone’s courage is unique.

A few months ago I mentioned what for me is a little hidden gem part of the story of David and Goliath. This is David’s finding his courage moment. He has already announced to King Saul that he will face the giant. Saul dresses David up in his own armor and with his own weapons. And David can barely move. They are not his and they don’t work for him. David’s courage isn’t to be found in the protection and weaponry of a king. So, David strips it all off and goes into battle with that which is familiar to him – a shepherd’s staff and a shepherd’s sling. The only way for David to fully engage the courage for the facing of the challenge is to go as himself with the things he knew best.

Friends, I believe the same is true for us. It doesn’t work for us to try to take on being someone stronger, smarter, or more powerful in order to find our courage. Because that is not who we are authentically are. It is merely a costume. Our courage is found in being most fully ourselves. And trust me, if we embrace our own unique courage there are places in the world where it will make a profound impact.

May God’s grace help you find all the courage within that is needed for the facing of these days.

Gordon