Fiction

Gathering Courage

by Megan Hughes
03/05/26
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Ari, the small lion, entered a large clearing and was just about to break into a fast trot when, out of nowhere, several wild boars rushed into the clearing, heading straight for him. Their vicious fangs and their threatening growls sent Ari’s heart racing, and his body stiffened. He felt fear crawl all over him. Panic rose in his heart as he tried to hold his mind steady. Ari forced himself to think. He remembered what Eliezer, the golden eagle, once said to him:“Fear not in any circumstances and stand your ground.”

Ari gulped and dug his claws into the ground as the wild boars advanced. Ari tried to stop shaking; he must concentrate. Be strong and of good courage; be strong and of good courage. Deep within his body, there rolled out of him a growl that burst into a deafening roar, exploding into the air with tremendous force, which caused the boars to flee in terror.

“Each time we are brave and push through the fear, courage grows within us to draw upon in the future. We gain strength, courage, and confidence from each experience in which we stop to look fear in the face. We must do that which we think we cannot do .” ~Eleanor Roosevelt.

Gathering is the key. With each step we take, each person we meet, each situation we pass through, each word of inspiration we read, each fear we conquer, courage gathers into our hearts.

Ari gathered courage on his journey. When he faced the frightening attack of the wild boars, Ari remembered what he had gathered along the way. He remembered the words he had stored in his heart spoken to him by Eliezer: “Fear not in any circumstance and stand your ground. Be strong and of good courage.” 

Ari found courage as he drew upon the words of Eliezer. He stood his ground, faced the fear, and tapped into the courage he had gathered. A new strength poured out of the little lion’s heart, exploding on the scene with a great and voluminous roar, causing the wild boars to scatter and flee.

Courage is doing something we think we cannot do, but we do it anyway, even while still shaking with fear. Embrace the challenge, be valiant, and stoke the flames of bravery. You never know when wild boars may turn up on the path of your journey. You will be ready, and you will roar!

 “Be strong and of good courage; fear not, nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you.”  ~ Deuteronomy 31:6