2. Courage
mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
~ Oxford Dictionary
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
“Courage, dear heart.”
(Aslan whispers to Lucy in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.)
“Do not dare not to dare.”
(The Horse and His Boy)
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means, at the point of highest reality.”
(The Screwtape Letters)
- C. S. Lewis
Ponder a moment:
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Musicians need mental strength to venture into a practice room, lesson, rehearsal, and onto the stage. Where does moral strength come into play?
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Perseverance is obviously necessary for us as we face fear and/or difficulty. Have you faced danger as a musician?
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Do you think of yourself as a naturally courageous person?
“Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14
Scripture Reading:
Read: I Samuel 17
Read this chapter twice. First, read as a historical narrative. Try to get into the scene. Second, read with an open heart to hear God speaking to you personally.
For Discussion
1. What can a musician learn from the story of David and Goliath?
2. What are David’s obstacles?
3. What are my obstacles?
4. What are David’s strengths?
5. What are my strengths?
6. What can I do to increase my courage?
Mind-flash
Imagine you are David the young shepherd. What thoughts, righteous or otherwise, might race through your mind chatter before you make a decision about offering your service to fight Goliath?
• Naiveté of the situation?
• Proving your worth to your big brothers?
• Incredulity of the Israeli army’s lack of faith?
• Recalling the lion and bear after your sheep?
• Audacity of youth?
• Fear for your life?
• Trust in Almighty God?
The clock is ticking—what decision do you make?
How might this prayer/thought process affect decisions in your life as a musician.
Courage Etudes
Ponder a moment:
No courage is needed if there is nothing to fear.
"I know perfectly well that no musician can make his thoughts or his talents different to what Heaven has made them; but I also know that if Heaven had given him good ones, he must also be able to develop them properly."
Felix Mendelssohn
Courage Exercises
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Choose a short-term musical goal—go one step further. If you need to backstep, rethink and start the process once more.
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Lay your insecurities/fears aside. Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open for the needs of your peers.