Courage

Courage... One of the first creatures that comes to mind is a lion. Lions are expected to be courageous. So much so that the movie the Wizard of Oz played on the fact that the lion was "cowardly" and needed to find courage. The character in the movie was considered the exception and not the rule! But when I put this particular card together with this scripture, I kept coming back to the butterfly. I would shake my head, mutter I was losing my mind and go back to work. So the card remained blank. I had paper, ribbon and a scripture but no focal image. That quiet still voice kept saying... "use a butterfly." I fought it even more. After all butterflies are not known for their courage. Or are they?

God revealed something to me during this process. I began to think about the butterfly image in front of me. And I saw that image anew. One of God's most amazing creations is the butterfly! They start as a plain and sometimes downright ugly worm. ***OK, I must admit all worms are ugly*** They feed and prepare for the time to come, waiting patiently for their big day. They form cocoons. They are vulnerable to predators and interlopers. Wrapped in that nest of sorts, they begin to change, slowly becoming something different, new and beautiful! The entire while their vulnerability remains even as they morph into a beautiful new creation. A creature that can soar above those predators!

Finally the big day arrives and they crack open their delicate barrier! Their fragile wings are wet. And the little creature is still so susceptible to any blow or miscue. After stretching their wings to dry, they take flight. And what courage that must take! They have never done this before! But they do. And it is truly a beautiful thing to behold!

God orchestrates such change in our life as well. We start out as ugly, sin burdened creatures. When we accept Christ in our hearts we begin that journey of change. Yes, we are vulnerable just as the butterfly is. There are no guarantees that life will not deal us hard knocks. However, the day will come when we will shed our old body and spread our wings in the new! Yes, Mr. butterfly you are a courageous fellow and thank you Lord for opening my heart to that fact! Blessings.

Lori

Today's card....



Card Recipe

Card Stock - Bazzill, Colorbok
Designer Paper - K & Company - Life's Journey Paper Pad
Stamps & Die - ODBD - Butterfly, Butterfly Corner, Butterfly Die, Not Forgotten
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark (scripture)
Embossing Powder - Ranger Super Fine Embossing Powder - Black
Paper Punch - EK Success
Ribbon
Spiral Paper Clip

Today's Challenge - Winged Things - Sugar Creek Hollow Blog