Fresh Courage Take

Some of life's trials are long lasting and won't get better in this life - like Parkinson's. We face those challenges with as much courage as we can muster and an immense amount of hope and gratitude for our lives and relationships on the other side of the veil. 

I usually fall asleep easily but recently I tossed and turned for hours. My heart and mind were preoccupied with all that's going on. The phrase "fresh courage take" was the first thing I was aware of when I woke up the next morning. 

I was thankful for that reminder. Sometimes we need to straighten our shoulders, "gird up our loins" (see hymn below), reset our grip, take a deep breath, and keep setting one foot in front of  the other with increased determination and courage. That's what came to me that morning - fresh courage take.

Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;


But with joy wend your way.


Though hard to you this journey may appear,


Grace shall be as your day.


........

........


Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.


Our God will never us forsake;


And soon we'll have this tale to tell--


All is well! All is well!

Click image to hear Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing

Come, Come, Ye Saints

lyrics here

From the hymn - Come, Come, Ye Saints - Written by William Clayton as the Latter-day Saints were trekking west after being driven out of Kirtland, Ohio; then Missouri; and finally Nauvoo, Illinois.

image - Handcart Monument by Torleif Knaphus, Temple Square, Salt Lake City