Take Courage
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”
- C.S. Lewis
We tend to think of great danger and harrowing circumstances, but courageousness is built up in the endurance of everyday trials. Small acts of faithfulness add up to a fortified strength. Through courage, we become more alive, more useful, and more human.
The artist must foster courage.
There are endless inspirational quotes from playwrights, actors, painters, etc. about the courage of honesty and overcoming fear. The artist, in whatever her medium, must allow for vulnerability and strive for endurance.
Honesty is a virtue in the rehearsal hall… but it’s courageous to continue that honesty 8 shows a week. Quality is made apparent when it’s tested. Courage is the passing score. How you rehearse is how you perform; so it is in life.
Big moments of victory come from small decisions to do the hard thing:
Going to the audition, putting in the work, and offering something real (especially when you could phone it in)… too often we rely on being unique without the discipline of being good.
It takes courage to work hard. We struggle against the fear of burning out and the temptation of laziness. While burnout is a serious threat to the artist, we can learn to work hard and rest in proportion. Rest also takes courage. Appropriate rest resists the fear of missing out. A practice of Sabbath can foster a work-life balance. We can work hard and rest easy.
Faith is the beginning of fortitude.
What you believe will shape what you do and what you do reflects the condition of your heart. To grow in courage, search for where you obey fear. If God has called you to it He will keep His promise to give you everything you need to walk it out.
Stubbornness can often look like endurance.
The difference is the mission. Jonah might have felt courageous running from God, but self-willed direction can never produce a productive virtue. So, check in. Am I stubborn in doing what I want and going where I want to go? Or am I pursuing excellence in what God has assigned me for this time?
Stories Inspire Courage.
In theatre, we know stories are full of examples of courage and perseverance! As an artist, don’t forget to learn from good examples and cautionary tales (they’re not just for the audience!). What have your favorite stories taught you? How can you emulate the bravery you admire? How can you avoid the consequences of the coward?
Bravery in Numbers.
It’s hard to be brave when you’re all alone. Most of the time we don’t have to do it alone! Be willing to talk about what scares you and ask for prayer. Don’t limit your relationships by not talking about the small things. Maybe you need the courage to be thankful or to be patient. Walk with advisors who challenge you in your daily choices.
It’s never too late to start being courageous.
Exercise makes us stronger! Continue being faithful in the small things and watch your capacity grow. Use opportunities for courage as your testing point. If you don’t like what you’re made of, start again.
