Ponderings: On Courage
My Inspiration
In 2014, Jo_Goldsmith11 took it upon herself to initiate the Light2Love Project Good Words.
Jo pledged to use good words and publish articles used to empower, encourage, support and defend those who need to be shown love.
Jo offered us a good word for each week to focus our thoughts, behaviors and actions on...In the 8th week, Jo wrote her perspective on the word courage.
However, as 2014 came to an end, Jo filed away her Good Word articles - as she begins the process of publishing it in e-book'. Shyron E. Shenko continues to write a beautiful poem to accompany each Good Word to inspire and lead us.
The ripple effect of the Good Words Project throughout the HubVille community has been heartwarming.
Please join me with some of my musical thoughts and reflections on the word courage...
Courage in Music
September is when I return to my fall clinical schedule. The fresh, young, anxious faces of my nursing students energize and exhaust me in the best of ways.
As I look into their eyes and listen to their fears, I'm reminded of my younger days in the profession. I identified with the Cowardly Lion in 'The Wizard of Oz' for years as a new nurse. It took time and patience to show my confidence - in truth, what I feel on the inside is a different story to this very day...!
As I think of my song choices for COURAGE, there is a blend of strength and vulnerability. The expression 'Fake it until you make it' has served me well through life threatening injuries, trauma and loss in my life.
And I find that with 'making it'... my self confidence builds and along with that comes my COURAGE. Some of these songs make me cry. Some of these songs make me want to jump up and dance. They all remind me that I am more capable than I sometimes give myself credit for.
How about you...? Are there any songs or lyrics that bring COURAGE and motivation to you...like these do for me? If so, please share YOURS in the comment section below... thanks, mar!
Courage in Lyrics
It's hard to take courage - In a world full of people - You can lose sight of it all- And the darkness inside you - Can make you feel so small (1)... See in your hands the world is yours - Don't hold back and always know - All the answers you will unfold - What are you waiting for - Spread your wings and (2)... All of my life I've been in hiding - Wishing there was someone just like you - Now that you're here, now that I've found you - I know that you're the one to pull me through (3)...
Sarah Brightman: Deliver Me
Lyrics of Courage
To fight the unbeatable foe - To bear with unbearable sorrow - And to run where - The brave dare not go (4).. I will find my way, if I can be strong - I know every mile, will be worth my while (5)... You know I decided - That I'm gonna pull myself together - And find a way to fight it - I'm gonna have to hide it (6)... You come on with it, come on - You don't fight fair - That's okay, see if I care - Knock me down, it's all in vain - I get right back on my feet again (7)... Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries - If I don't I just know I'll turn back - I must dream of the things I am seeking - I am seeking the courage I lack (8)...
Sierra Boggess: I Have Confidence In Me
Lyrical Courage
And you'll know just the moment when I've had enough - Sometimes I'm afraid and I don't feel that tough - But I'll stand back up (9)... Don’t give up - You’re gonna see tomorrow - That you’ll be on your feet again - Sometimes the world’s gonna knock you over - But you will see who are your friends (10)... And if it's bad - Don't let it get you down, you can take it - And if it hurts - Don't let them see you cry, you can make it (11)... You dance up on them haters - Keep getting funky on the scene - While they jumpin' round you - They trying to take all your dreams - But you can't allow it - 'Cause baby whether you're high or low - Whether you're high or low - You gotta tip on the (12),,,
Janelle Monae: Tightrope
Artist - Song - Words of Courage
Cyndi Lauper: True Colors (1); Christina Aguilera: Soar (2); Sarah Brightman : Deliver Me (3); Andy Williams: The Impossible Dream (4); Michael Bolton: Go The Distance (5); Wilson Phillips: You Won't See Me Cry (6); Pat Benatar: Hit Me With Your Best Shot (7); Sierra Boggess / 'The Sound Of Music': I Have Confidence (8); Sugarland: Stand Up (9); Lenny Kravitz: Stand (10); Argent: Hold Your Head Up (11); Janelle Monae: Tightrope (12)
There's No One Like Linda
Not For Cowards...!!
- Courage Is Not For Cowards
When you are confronted with a scary situation, your courage takes charge. It's your firmness of mind and your bravery that proves to you, that you are not a coward...
Speaking of Courage...
I was reluctant to ask Linda Bilyeu (aka Sunshine625) to participate in the passing of the baton in the Project Good Words Musical Challenge, knowing how many hats she is wearing.
In fact, I don't know any other chick who wears her chique chapeaux with such style, grace and courage.
As such, I was thrilled when Linda agreed to accept the baton of COURAGE. I also intend to dedicate another good word to my friend Sunshine in the near future.
For now, Linda, please take all the time you need to write your reflections on courage. In the meanwhile, I am sharing what I view as some of your most powerful work for readers to check out in the links below.
Have a wonderful week. Hugs to all, mar
© Maria Jordan (September, 2014)
Written by Linda Bilyeu (Sunshine625)
- Are Prostate Cancer Doctors Still Clueless?
This article is updated depending on where we are with treatments. Prostate Cancer is still a mystery to doctors. It seems like many doctors are still clueless. More research needs to be done. Hopefully in time to save my husband, Dave Ligler. - What Has Cancer Taught You?
A cancer journey teaches us lessons. This article contains advice, thoughts, tips and most of all, real-life experiences from those who have endured and continue to endure a cancer journey.
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Comments
AUTHORYou found this at precisely the right time, dear Shyron - there are no coincidences in life.
Linda (our Sunshine) said goodbye to her Cap Dave for now - a little over a week ago - as usual, she showed us all how to behave in a most COURAGEOUS manner every step of the way.
I know about 'summeritis' - I have it! In addition, my summer teaching schedule and writing weekly for my blog keeps this ol' head spinning...!
I apologize for being eternally behind in visiting the writing of buddies like you and Miss Jo. I will keep the best of thoughts about Jo's latest 'Good Thoughts' project...but may need to pass until life settles down a bit.
Love you too and have a peaceful weekend, Maria
Dear, sweet, beautiful Maria, how did I miss this?
I know, I know life gets in the way.
When we want to read and write
Someone else wants to play.
Jo has started a new project it is called "Good Thoughts" not sure yet how it works, but I am game and I hope that you will join in also.
Love you and miss you.
Shyron
- AUTHOR
Wise perspective, Car51... thanks for the visit!
Courage is taking the next step even when it's hard! Step by step!
- AUTHOR
Dear Jo,
Sooo cool to see you and thank you for visiting, sharing and simply for being you! I have been 'head over heels' in classes and grading - so sorry to have been a stranger!
Love and hugs, Maria
I so appreciate you for this excellent article. So many songs I enjoy!
Thank you for being an inspiration for so many and the music you have shared with this word just is amazing! Up, tweet and shared.
Blessings cool lady!
- AUTHOR
Genna, Thank you for your warm support and kindness to both Jo and me...it is always a pleasure when you are able to stop by.
effer and Sunshine, Sooooo wonderful to see this COURAGEOUS and dynamic duo exchanging words of empowerment!
Good to see you, dear Peg. I also love the song from 'The King and I'... hope you are enjoying your week.
Love and hugs to all, Maria
Hi Maria, Courage is a highly developed skill that you certainly have experience in applying. I liked your reference to the lion in the "Wizard of Oz" who needed to find courage and it reminded me of the song from "The King and I" about whistling whenever I'm afraid.
You've passed the baton to someone who has demonstrated fortitude and courage in the face of obstacles. I look forward to reading her hub. Nicely done. Much love, Peg
Cause we are the champions and your gonna hear us ROAR while we SOAR!!!
And don't forget..."Soar, like an Eagle!!" :) Or would that be a Roaring, Soaring LION named "Get Outta My Way!?".....
Dear Maria…
This extraordinary series should be read by everyone! Thank you, Maria and Jo, for this light that continues to illuminate and burn brightly for us all.
“As I think of my song choices for COURAGE, there is a blend of strength and vulnerability.” I couldn’t agree more. Without that vulnerability, would courage, either newly found or developing, be so gratifying and enlightening? Your choice in passing the baton to Linda is beautifully perceptive. Voted up and sharing. :-)
- AUTHOR
LOL...............
I was 'thisclose' to putting KP on my video selections... because I'm telling you, Sunshine, we have GREAT minds and they are thinking alike!!
R...........O..............A...................R..............!!!!! :))))))))
"And your gonna hear me roar, like a lion..." :)
- AUTHOR
Mary, Thanks for your visit and beautiful words. You hardly "pale in comparison", my dear friend and have proven your inner strength and courage repeatedly over these last few years as I have gotten to know you.
Suzette, It's always lovely to see you. Your gracious remarks are most appreciated.
Martie, You are indeed one of the bravest women I know and I have so much respect and admiration for you. I'm grateful to have you in my world for many reasons - helping me to slay my dragons is one of them!
ecogranny, Thanks so much for stopping by with your warm and supportive comments.
Hoping you all have a peaceful and relaxing weekend. Hugs, Maria
Thank you. It is wonderful to see so many people writing about the goodness in their lives and in the world. May you ever have courage when you need it.
Dearest Mar, I thank my lucky stars because I was first in the row when courage was handed out. I actually received too much, therefore I find myself too often in big trouble, facing a monstrous of a dragon all by myself. As you know, most people tend to complain and gossip about 'dragons', and then comes the courageous with a solution: Confront the damn thing, fix him, remove him from the list of baddies that inspire people to complain/gossip. And then, sword in the hand, facing that dragon, the courageous one find themselves all alone while the rest are as quiet as mice, waiting anxiously to see what's going to happen, just to jump on the wings of success after the courageous one's victory, or back to their swamps where complaining/gossiping is the order of the day.
So, ya, being truly courageous, one has to choose their courses (fights) very wisely.
Linda is indeed a courageous lady, and wise as well :)
And you, too, Mar - your courage shines, and your wisdom too. I am so glad you are my sista/friend keeping me from attacking dragons that should rather be ignored.
Maria, Another stellar article written by you. I couldn't agree with yo more about courage. I love the songs you chose for this hub. Thanks for sharing you thoughts on courage and inspiring us all!
I am so awestruck by your courage and that of Sunshine (Linda) that I can find little else to say.
You are both inspiring in your courage and determination. God bless you both! Most of us pale in comparison but we keep on fighting. Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" comes to mind as does Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive".
Again, bless you both.
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
- AUTHOR
Good morning, my friends,
Linda, I hate to brag but I know my friends INSIDE OUT...and you are filled with COURAGE from 'head to toe'! Sorry, but I just 'call it like I see it...'! The only thing you need in order to to write your piece on COURAGE is 'time'...nothing more, so please take all the time you need...!! Love you with my heart!!
Ruby, I am fairly sure that Sunshine is your 'kind of girl'...as you are both lovely, amazing and my good girlfriends! Hope you have a chance to check out some of her work as you have the time.
Faith, Your comments fill me with joy and love. Thank you so much for the visit, votes and sharing - especially your favorite song, which I look forward to checking out as well.
Vicki, I very much appreciate you listening to my song choices. "Tightrope" is a little like that "Pineapple" song in intensity, yet the message is a bit deeper for me...! I am also looking forward to Linda's work as she has the time.
Wishing you all a peaceful day - Love and hugs, Maria
Dear Maria,
I loved this inspirational article on courage, and it must have been quite easy for you to write, as you're so familiar with what constitutes courage, plus you have those songs running around in your brain most of the time anyway!
It took me a while to comment, because I really wanted to listen to your beautiful music choices.
This was a grand word in the collection of good words, and it's so great that you chose Linda for your passing of the baton. She certainly epitomises courage.
Well done, dear friend!
Dear Maria,
I am so inspired by your indomitable spirit to bravely face this life with such courage and to continue to persevere to share in your wisdom and give the love in your heart to the full.
Linda is one courageous lady without a doubt, and you have once again chosen well. I am so glad she is participating. I truly look forward to her hub on Courage!
You have presented such a powerhouse of songs on courage. The one song that comes to my mind is "Courage Is - The Strange Familiar" by AntiqueLesson.
Voted up ++++ tweeting, pinning, G+ and sharing
You are so courageous and beautiful always.
Love you,
Theresa
This is beautiful Mar. So many of the songs you've listed have been my inspiration. I especially love, Hit me with your best shot by Pat Benatar- Michael Bolton's Go the distance. I watched Sarah's Deliver me, beautiful! I will check in on Sunshine 65. From her remark about country music I think she's my kind of girl....See you later..Hugs..
No matter how much I have going on in my life, it's simply not easy to say no to you MM. You are an incredibly beautiful friend, inside and out. You are a rare gem. You give me courage. You inspire me. Thank you for being part of my journey. The song that gives me courage is Eminem's "Lose Yourself" ... I know, he's not country or Keith Urban, but when I hear this song I feel like I could move mountains. I appreciate you thinking of me...now I must seek the courage to write about courage :))
Thank you all, for your kind words! :)
- AUTHOR
Happy Monday, my dear friends,
Gail, You are on a roll with your beautiful comments today and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love your song of COURAGE and faith... from my childhood as well.
Oh dear Mike, You got it! 'Wild' is how I summarize my feelings of COURAGE...just like my music - I must be singing some nerve into myself (LOL)! Your comments, by the way, are music to my ears...I might as well continue with this series!
Sha, Thank you for allowing me to be the reason you took a break! You are a treasured friend and quite high on the COURAGE scale in my opinion as well.
Bill, You are adorable...no two ways around it! Love you too!
Hoping you all have a wonderful day and thanks so much for these awesome comments. Hugs, Maria
I love this series, and I love your perspective regarding it...and since I'm so full of love today, I love the person you handed the baton to.
and oh, yes, I love you as well.
love,
bill
Mar, when I saw you'd published another in this awesome series, I had to take a break from my assignment to read and comment.
You are the epitome of courage. I won't delve into why; you and your loyal readers know why I say this.
I think Linda is the perfect choice to carry the baton. She keeps smiling no matter what comes her way. It takes courage and a positive mental attitude (PMA) to keep on keepin' on no matter what life throws your way.
You, too my dear friend, are the epitome of courage and everything beautiful in this world!
Again, I’ll thank Jo for lighting the fuse on the Good Words fireworks show. But Maria, there are burst of color in the night as your musical hub challenges ignite so much emotion and commotion in your readers. Courage is such an elusive attribute. Men go in such of it in their fighting, and women, well courage seems to find women. They have to go on. The musical selections were wild. Your ability to string the words of songs together and retain meaning is a marvel. I am sure Linda will have something to say on the subject. Plenty of courage seems to have found her.
Wow! You are really on a roll with your writing!
Loved this hub and especially the intro and brief bio on Linda, who does indeed accomplish many things despite being such a great caregiver and loving wife, mother and grandmother. I really admire how both of you get so much writing done despite extremely busy schedules.
My favorite song about courage is one I used to sing in childhood--"When you walk through a storm hold your head up high..."
Sending Hugs & Love,
Gail
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