We witness injustice around the globe, on the nightly news and splashed across social media. Closer to home we see injustice committed in our communities, on the streets, at work, perhaps even in our church or our families. Righteous anger rises within. We want to do something, confront someone, protect and empower victims, change the status quo—but we’re afraid.
We’re afraid to stand up, to be seen, called out, and challenged. We fear finding ourselves in the limelight or risking exposure of those we love.
How do we move beyond our fears to do the thing we feel passionate to do, to take the stand we know the Lord has called us to in this day and time?
Here are eight tips to help in that journey:
1. Ground yourself in the Word of God. Make certain that you clearly understand the situation and that your stand is taken from a godly perspective.
2. Recognize that courage does not exclude fear but confronts it. By identifying and naming our fears, we begin to take their power away. Much fear is born of intimidation. Intimidators that threaten real danger need to be taken into account and exposed for who or what they are. The safety and privacy of innocent parties must be protected. But when closely analyzed, some of those intimidators may be nothing more than cardboard figures overblown in our imaginations. Discern the difference.
3. Identify the needs of those who’ve been victimized. Determine exactly what needs to change. Formulate a clear and cohesive plan to move forward. It is not enough to protest. There needs to be an end goal for good.
4. Respectfully approach those with power or authority to effect change. A demonstrated willingness to listen and understand the many sides of an issue helps all parties engage in productive conversation and possible mediation.
5. Clearly state the situation for those in need. Sometimes word pictures that you know the person or group in authority will champion help to portray the injustice of the current situation in ways people can comprehend. Think of King David and of his adultery with Bathsheba, of his betrayal and murder of her husband. David tried to hide his evil deed, but Nathan painted the situation in a word picture the king could understand—the cruelty and injustice of stealing the one ewe lamb the man owned. Seeing himself in that word picture struck David and made him see clearly the horror of his deeds.
6. Be willing to take small steps to achieve large goals. Mountains are rarely moved in a single swoop. They must be broken down and carried away stone by stone. Be willing to work through details and endure for the long haul to effect important changes.
7. Pray for transformations of the heart. Pray without ceasing. Standing for those in need is not a Band-Aid to cover up a gaping wound. Real change requires opening of eyes and ears and transformations of the heart—heart surgery.
8. Know that you are not alone. Remember Moses’s words—“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Throughout the Bible God demonstrates his anger at oppressors and injustice. He champions standing for the voiceless and downtrodden. Knowing that you work in the will of God strengthens and empowers.
God hates oppressors. Jesus called peacemakers the sons of God. Speaking for the voiceless and downtrodden are activities our Lord did here on earth—always with the goal of repentance and transformation, bringing both oppressed and oppressors nearer the heart of God and restoring them to full relationship. It wasn’t about retaliation; it was always about cleansing, forgiving, building, making whole. By following in His steps we can gain courage to do the same.
Thank you, Cathy, for your moving and encouraging words.
Do not miss Cathy’s new release, Night Bird Calling – and be sure to enter the giveaway below, thanks to Tyndale House Publishers.
When Lilliana Swope’s beloved mother dies, Lilliana gathers her last ounce of courage and flees her abusive husband for the home of her only living relative in the foothills of No Creek, North Carolina. Though Hyacinth Belvidere hasn’t seen Lilliana since she was five, she offers her cherished great-niece a safe harbor. Their joyful reunion inspires plans to revive Aunt Hyacinth’s estate and open a public library where everyone is welcome, no matter the color of their skin.
Slowly Lilliana finds revival and friendship in No Creek―with precocious eleven-year-old Celia Percy, with kindhearted Reverend Jesse Willard, and with Ruby Lynne Wishon, a young woman whose secrets could destroy both them and the town. When the plans for the library also incite the wrath of the Klan, the dangers of Lilliana’s past and present threaten to topple her before she’s learned to stand.
With war brewing for the nation and for her newfound community, Lilliana must overcome a hard truth voiced by her young friend Celia: Wishing comes easy. Change don’t.
Four-time Christy and two-time Carol and INSPY Award–winning author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons from history. Her stories reveal how people break the chains that bind them and triumph over adversity through faith. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks.
Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Gohlke @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Cathy’s website and journal
Buy at Amazon: Night Bird Calling or Koorong
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January 6, 2021 at 12:33 pm
Excellent post, Cathy and Rel! These are great suggestions. I’m quite a timid introvert, so I really need to step up my game! This book sounds so intriguing!
January 7, 2021 at 4:39 am
Winnie, I so understand being an introvert. The interesting thing is, like Lilliana in Night Bird Calling, I find it far easier to stand up for others than to stand for myself. I think most of us are that way. I hope you enjoy Night Bird Calling! God bless!
January 6, 2021 at 8:36 pm
By choosing to believe in God’s Truth each day.
January 7, 2021 at 4:41 am
MJSH, Amen. That’s the backbone we need. God bless!
January 6, 2021 at 10:28 pm
I need to rely on Jesus for courage. I know I can do nothing in my own strength but that shouldn’t keep me from not seeking God’s will for my life.
January 7, 2021 at 4:42 am
Vivian, I so agree. Without Him I can do nothing. That’s the thing I need to remember when I hesitate to take an important stand. I must remember that I don’t walk alone–ever. God bless!
January 7, 2021 at 1:11 am
Usually with lots of prayer! Congratulations on your new release!
January 7, 2021 at 4:43 am
Thank you, Elizabeth! Yes, that’s how we walk forward each day–with lots of prayer!!! God bless!
January 7, 2021 at 1:43 am
Hi Cathy,
Your post really resonated with me. My word for 2021 is compassion. I’m praying to keep my eyes open to ways God wants me to show compassion to others.
Congratulations on Night Bird Calling. It sounds wonderful, and I’m adding it to my TBR list.
January 7, 2021 at 4:45 am
Thank you, Jackie. Compassion for others and how to show it is a tremendous word and concept and goal. May God bless you as you reach out to others! I know they will be blessed. I hope you enjoy Night Bird Calling.
January 7, 2021 at 4:57 am
By being true to what I believe. The story sounds good. Thanks for the chance.
January 7, 2021 at 6:27 am
Lynn, staying true to ourselves is so important. I remember a book I had when a child–a book of quotes my sister gave me. One said, “What you seem to be, be really.” That’s stuck with me as such a good reminder when I need it. I hope you enjoy Night Bird Calling! God bless!
January 7, 2021 at 6:02 am
Great post, thank you for sharing. I try to exercise courage by remembering that God hasn’t given me a spirit of fear and that I can rely on God for His help.
January 7, 2021 at 6:28 am
Megan, that Scripture helps me, too, whenever I’m feeling timid or intimidated. He is strong and able, even when we are weak. Thank you for that reminder today! God bless!
January 7, 2021 at 6:11 am
I admire Cathy Gohlke’s writing because she’s not afraid to write of the tough stuff in life. I enjoyed this excellent post and review. I was able to watch a UTube video earlier and that made me want to read her book even more. She definitely has my attention!
January 7, 2021 at 6:32 am
Perrianne, I’m so glad you saw that YouTube interview! Terri Gillespie is a great interviewer, a wonderful author and a dear friend. I’ve come to understand that the tough things I’ve been through or witnessed have worth and meaning when they send me closer to our Lord, and again when, through writing, they draw readers closer to Him. Sometimes it’s hard or scary to research or remember or write those things, but He makes it possible. I hope you enjoy Night Bird Calling. God bless!
January 19, 2021 at 8:02 am
Her books are always an immersive experience, Perrianne!
January 7, 2021 at 12:01 pm
I wouldn’t say I’m very courageous but I do try to follow God’s leading for my life.
January 8, 2021 at 6:24 am
Pam, I so often think I’m not very courageous, either, but I also find that the Lord supplies what we need when we get there when we’re following Him. That’s just what you’re trying to do, so I believe He will supply that courage when needed, when the time comes. God bless you!
January 7, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Through prayer and seeking strength to get through each day as I’m caring for my mom.
January 8, 2021 at 6:27 am
Lelia–what a pretty name–Lucy–also pretty, you’re right. The answer is always to seek God’s help through prayer. He supplies strength for each and every day. May God bless you as you care for your mom. The role of caregiving requires so much strength and stamina–physical, emotional, spiritual. May our Father in Heaven supply your every need! God bless you.
January 9, 2021 at 6:40 am
I have courage each day by trusting God and believing the promises in his Word. He tells us that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
January 9, 2021 at 11:50 am
Right now, I have courage by showing up in my classroom daily despite the pandemic. The kids need me!
January 19, 2021 at 7:59 am
Yes!!
January 10, 2021 at 3:03 am
I normally wouldn’t say I’m a particularly brave person, I tend to be more on the anxious side, but nursing during a pandemic has certainly created a need for bravery. I’ve been exposed to diseases before but this one feels different among healthcare workers than anything else we’ve dealt with.
January 19, 2021 at 7:59 am
That’s courageous work, Elizabeth – what a blessing you are to those who are sick.
January 11, 2021 at 11:33 am
I find courage each day when i wake up to tell God thanks for another day
January 11, 2021 at 11:28 pm
I exercise courage by praying!
January 12, 2021 at 11:08 am
Congrats on your latest release, Cathy!
I exercise courage by trusting in God instead of myself. It’s so much easier to “think” I can handle everything on my own.
January 19, 2021 at 7:50 am
Yes!