Grace and Courage

I bet most people, just like me, can visualize the person that they want to be. If only I could be the Christina of my dreams; all razor sharp wit, perfect hair and subtle curves, unending patience (ha!), timely kindness and aged discernment. Nothing resembling the slightly lumbering, scattered, quick-to-self, energy deficient version at present. No, um, nothing like that ...

But when I can't have it all, be it all, I will settle for reaching for what I need most to get as close as possible in this moment. And right now two big items are in high demand: grace and courage. Oh boy. You mean, two of the most difficult to achieve? All at once?

Tomorrow, I will need both in spades. Grace in the face of disgrace. Courage in the face of cowardice. How will I hold my head up high and remember who I am in Christ, when all they say tears me down and hurls injustice? How do I keep that upper lip stiff and stave off fear, when the road ahead isn't so much dark, as it also alight with treachery and hopelessness?

Seriously. How? Dear Lord, help.