Dear ConnectUp Friends,

 “Sometimes survival is a noble goal.”

The man looked me square in the eyes with an intensity of courage that only emerges through the bedrock of one’s own suffering. He lost his wife years ago to a disease. My husband and I sat before him as bereaved parents looking for help. Our daughter was nearly three years old when she burst through the confines of this world and beat us Home. We were left alone. This man was a pastor, he as alone too. Maybe he could help us find our way out of this dark maze of what life had become.

To many the statement he made to us would seem bleak at best. To me, however, it was the first encouraging thing I heard in a long time. Why? It honored me. His statement hosted an understanding that what I needed most was to celebrate the triumph of each step. Maybe I was still having a hard time getting out of bed. Maybe I was still crying a lot. Maybe I was not fun to be with, and my sense of purpose was a lost puppy at best. But maybe, arising each day took courage, and living itself was a noble goal.

 Sometimes all people need to heal is honor. People need to know that they have strength before they will exert the strength to heal. You and I get to tell others about their strength through authentic and heart-felt honor. Honor excavates courage in people, and in so doing it liberates their capacity to hold their own redemption from Jesus.

Today, I honor you. I honor you for not giving up inside of the intensity of your story. I thank you for choosing not to let your heart grow cold or numb in the face of such pain. Thank you for continuing to love God and serve others despite all the opposition. Thank you for not giving up, friends. Thank you for embracing the noble goal of continuing, one day at a time.

Be encouraged.
Your Father sees.
And, celebrates.
You.

He honors you today.
And, so do I.

Be crowned.
Be honored.
You deserve it.
Oh, strong one!
Celebrate each step.

Katie Luse.