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Va' Etchanan - It's Your Courage Within !

                

               Va' Etchanan  -  It's Your Courage Within !







The Hebrew word for ‘Courage’ or ‘Strength’  is אֹמֶץ (Amaztz),and also means to ‘adopt’; Joshua had to be strong and to adopt other measures if his first ones did not work. He should not just sit and wallow in his own despair!  He needed to understand and comprehend that there is more than one solution to the same issue of any problem; if one did not work, another just may!  The important thing is not to give up and have true belief in self and what you feel assists you reach your best and that power, and that indeed will help in giving you the strength to overcome a problem or issue at hand.  True, deep, and honest belief, coupled with some work alongside!!!
In this Parsha (Torah Portion) we read, “And you who cling to......., all have a life today!”  Many, many times, we as people take the easy and immediate way out and honestly, just give up or give in! There is no wrong here, but inner judgement, inner strength, and a solid support system sure do help build you up!  Sometimes we find ourselves that we don’t want to try anymore, and at times, become depressed even, or just defeated of sorts.  Vaeschanan is about not giving up; it’s about having THAT strength;  “And if from there you will seek…….. , you will find with all of your heart and all of your soul!”  What does this mean!?  It simply means…..Adapt , be open to change, be up for the challenge, have strength in your beliefs, and search your soul and belief system, and look within very deeply, as it will give you a helping hand and true guidance.  A strong support group absolutely is vital as well and will help boost you up!
 As humans, we do say, and at times believe, “I wish I could do this or that, but………………. “  And we then allow our own limitations to hinder us, and we stop our action(s).  What if the State of Israel and the IDF did that? We can take a look at Israel and The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) right now and literally observe, and learn!   There is such a true love (Ahava – אהבה) ,  a deep belief, and a sincere courage….DAY IN AND DAY OUT, as they know NO other way!    אֹמֶץ (Amaztz), True Courage, and  honest belief is so very embedded into their souls and social make up, and there is NO doubt or questioning.  IT IS THE WAY OF LIFE!   I saw a picture and posting on Facebook this last week that had me in tears, a group of IDF soldiers with a Torah and makeshift- portable Ark to house it.   Courage and sincere faith!   That is strength! 
Does true belief come easy? Absolutely NOT!  Issues or doubts may occur in the beginning, and we must accept the fact to adapt at times, have inner strength, as well as outer, and have IT within your heart, and within your soul to be accepting.  Challenges always happen, that has allowed so many people to pray/or sincere thoughts/ponder, even in the most of remote and dangerous of places.  They feel a sense of rejuvenation and true strength!  As one reflects/thinks/prays, they just might feel that of COURAGE surging within them!  It is THIS sincere belief that gives those persons an advantage; Courage is allowing yourself to grow and let in your supporters that build you up!
Especially at current time, with the world is in disarray, allow us ALL to reflect that in spite of our everyday issues at hand, we will ‘should attempt’ to emerge triumphant, maintaining our beliefs, because WE do indeed have both outward strength and inner courage to overcome them!    
I happily challenge each one, to pick up the phone (dated term), and check in/on a loved one that you haven’t, haven’t in a while, or not of your normal call rotation!  No texting; actually, as your voice might just be that inner kick in the tush, or that virtual hug that is indeed THE changing point for that one person!!!!  And if you just need a virtual hug, my number is 512-713-1234, and happy to listen and share that hug!
 -Amen-

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