Hello Again, everyone! Last time, in the Courage series, we discussed wearing masks. We also discussed how we could unveil them with courage. Next, in the Courage series, I want us to discuss finding courage, gaining strength, and being confident in the person I am.
Finding Courage In A Grain Of Sand
During my meditation time, I pondered the vastness of the universe. Then I thought about the richness of the earth. I thought about the molecular structure of the soil. Deeper and deeper into the ground, I went until I could find just one grain of sand. I thought to myself, If I am this grain of sand, do I matter and how? But more importantly, how do I find the courage to walk in the confidence of who I am.
Too often, when we unveil our masks and continue in the process of healing, we sometimes struggle with finding purpose in our new “normal.” I use the term new “normal” because there is always a fundamental shift in our lives after any tragic loss. Our healing becomes a continuous process that evolves. We grow, we become strong, we sometimes progress. But it is always a part of us. Yet still, there is hope!
Finding Strength In The Fiery Process
I also think about pottery and how the potter chooses the clay, wedges it, and makes it with their chosen technique. Then there is the trimming and the painting and decorating. However, there is the all-important step called the firing. There are two firing steps in some techniques, the bisque firing, and the glazing firing. The glazing firing is not always necessary unless you apply a glaze to your product. But let’s talk about the all-important bisque firing.
The first firing or bisque firing process not only causes permanent changes to clay, but any organic material remaining in it usually burns out. It is usually a long process. But through the process, the product gains strength. For this reason, the product has to endure intense levels of heat. This first firing is in place so that the product doesn’t fall apart.
Finding Courage and Being Confident As we Emerge From The Furnace
So do we, as we started like that one grain of sand. Experience molded us. Life experiences, tragic losses, and all that we have been coping with thus far shaped us into who we are now. We entered into our fiery furnace. The heat was so intense, we thought it would break us, but it was so we could have strength. So ask yourself, Do I have the courage to emerge from this fiery furnace and be confident in the person I am now?
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