Live Like a Guide Dog: A Plan for Turning Fear Into CourageSample

Day 2: Preparation

Reflection:

Think about someone known for courage: perhaps a special ops soldier or a famous business leader. If someone aspires to serve in the upper echelons of the military, they can’t just roll off the couch and throw on a uniform. They must prepare and train. They are ready for anything because they’ve practiced and prepared dealing with frightening situations. The same is true for a CEO. They learn the job exceedingly well, knowing that others are looking to them for direction and ways to grow a successful company.

While you may not be a Green Beret (or even want to be), the principle of preparation will help you live each day unhindered by fear. With each of my eight guide dogs, I went through training.

Guide dog training is a bonding boot camp, if you will, to prepare you for whatever obstacles or challenges you may encounter as you make your way through the world with a dog at your side. If anything can make you feel brave, it’s guide dog training. The whole purpose is to prepare you for the unexpected—a key step to being brave.

The Bible tells us repeatedly, “Do not be afraid.” Most of those verses tell us why we don’t need to be afraid—because God is with us. It’s hard to just say, “Don’t be afraid,” because fear is a normal human experience. Still, we can be brave because God is with us. And we will feel less afraid when we have done the work of preparation.

Dear God, thank You that I can know You’re with me wherever I go. Help me to be open and curious so I can prepare to be brave.