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Sing Courage by Lindsay Kyle Strange how the sky outside can be blue, clear, cool, and I still feel as if I cannot face the day. As I lay still, watching the light dance through the cracks in the blinds and the birds sing their polite morning song, my mind wonders to the works of the mighty apostles. Those chosen ones, brave and certain of their faith, arose every morning to tell someone new of the work of Jesus, though they lived in a world hostile to their message. Did Paul ever awaken on a day like today, listening to the bird’s song and wondering if he had the strength to get up and push forward? Was it always easy for him? "For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ that this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not at all be ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death" -Philippians 1:19-20 Could it be that the man who encountered Jesus in person was also sometimes afraid? I imagine he feared, not only for his life, but the sharp sting of rejection. Perhaps he was afraid others would laugh. Was it possible that Paul gave up his life for a message that wouldn’t really change anything? The same doubts and fears cripple me on mornings like these. And with the birds still unceasingly chirping, I am reminded how my doubts serve to remind me of my desperate need. I am the singing bird, dependant upon God to provide for me--for food and shelter, yes, but also for the song to sing. It is a simple song. The whole world will not hear me sing it all at once. But perhaps I can sing my praises loud enough to wake a girl who doubts, rousing her from bed to face another day...reminding her that she is not alone.