"Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery, and I promise you, something great will come of it." -Benjamin Mee, We Bought a Zoo

Image Credit: Movie Quotes

Twenty seconds:

to talk to her,

to hit the send key,

to apply for that job.

I'm learning that courage can be incredibly freeing. You are laying it all out on the line ─ no more reservation, wavering, or half-hearted feelings. You're taking a firm stand. And even with the fear that crouches beside you, there is calmness and relief that you are standing up for what you believe in or taking a step toward following your dreams.

As God says to Joshua, "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).

I'm not advocating that you do anything you want with this courage from Him, but only those things to which He calls you within His timing, prayerfully of course. For instance, it was not an easy or simple process when I decided to transfer to a different college and change my major. But I still worked up the courage to tell my family and to apply to the school; afterward, I had a sense of joy and satisfaction knowing that great benefits would come out in the end. (And I can say now that the decision was absolutely worth it.)

Sometimes it takes twenty seconds, sometimes only one, sometimes thousands. However long it is, I hope and pray you can be brave and courageous in your circumstances as I also strive to stand up to do the things which inspired me to write this article.

I think the courageous life mentioned in We Bought a Zoo is best described in the words of this song:

You make me brave
You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves.
No fear can hinder now the promises You made.
"You Make Me Brave" by Bethel Music