Grace in the courage to hold true to thy own self.

Whether it be physically, geographically or spiritually, move in faith and with gratitude.

“As I look back on my own life, I recognize this simple truth: The greatest opportunities were the scariest lions. Part of me has wanted to play it safe, but I’ve learned that taking no risks is the greatest risk of all.” ― Mark Batterson, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars

“God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.” ― Elbert Hubbard

Storm Front on Eve of Good Friday 2 on Flickr.

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

A life well lived is a life of boldness. Not that of the prideful. They retreat within the lie of themselves, but to be bold in stepping out from what is comfortable and secure. To engage life at its’ core beauty. To react in both word and deed, to seek truth beyond what you’ve been told, to dare to pick up the pieces and love again. To make a statement that you flew into the light rather than turning away from it. Against all odds, be bold and take delight in showing the doubters and critics another way. Life is here now.

Like rays of light through the darkness, hope.

Faith can move mountains. Fear builds them up.

And not the scenic ones either; those I like to climb or see out the window when out West or in the Smokies.

The Mountains of Fear loom dark and hold-in, bury and isolate. They’re built up on both sides and reinforced with insecurity, resentment, hurt, greed. Amazing just how “mountainous” so many places can become.

But faith can send them crumbling down into insignificance. Hope, courage and an open heart. Rise and transcend. There is so much more.

“Freedom lies in being bold.” ― Robert Frost

Three, always three (even when they’re Cormorants). Sunrise January 1 2013 from Hilton Head Island.

Refuse the journal of other people’s fears and their documentation of your own failings. The truth resides elsewhere. Like light reaching across the sky. There is so much more. “Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.” ― Rumi (via TumbleOn)