Enlivened by his first experience zip-lining, my eldest son chirped endlessly in the backseat of our van.

"Wasn't that awesome, mom?! Can you believe I did it?!"

I was just as excited. "You were so brave! Were you nervous right before you jumped? What made you decide to go for it?"

A contemplative look crossed his face momentarily. "I didn't really feel brave; I just jumped!"

Unaware of the wisdom he had just shared, he continued to chat about his day with his friends while my mind (admittedly) wandered deeper into his insight.

I don't feel brave most days. I pray continuously for fortitude. Spiritually speaking, I'm aware of my cowardice and reluctance. But when I reflect upon the moments I have felt most like myself—felt the most free—it is always when I step out in faith with Jesus.

Psalm 23, today's Responsorial Psalm, indicates why: "I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage."

It is not by our own wills or positive thinking that we act bravely; it is through the Lord's rod and staff. His guidance—His shepherding—is what gives both the Psalmist and us courage.

We don't have to worry about being brave on our own. Our fortitude comes from our confidence in the One Who guides us.

Where is He asking you to be brave right now? Perhaps you're not "feeling" very courageous, but rest in the fact that courage is not a feeling. Courage is a confidence, a confidence in the Good Shepherd. So take the step of the platform of the zipline, knowing that fortitude is found in freedom.

[bctt tweet="It is not by our own wills or positive thinking that we act bravely; it is through the Lord's rod and staff. // @to_the_heights " username="blessedisshe__"]

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