“Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

As Christians, we know our hope is in the coming of Christ. We hope for God among us. But we do not often consider whether we are ready.

How can we prepare to welcome God in our midst? 

The challenge of Advent this week is Courage—to be courageous as we answer the call to justice. To stand side by side across lines of difference. To prepare with courage to welcome God’s expansive love in our midst.

As LGBTQI Christians, we are no strangers to courage. Whether we are “out” in our families and faith communities, or not. Whether we are standing on the front lines, or caring for one another behind the scenes—coming to terms with who we are takes courage, and we are honored to be a witness to the courage of the Believe Out Loud community every single day we do this work.

Take a look at how our bloggers reflected on the theme of Courage this week, then join us next week as we reflect on the theme of Joy.

Reflections on Courage

“I will look at my gifts and my limitations and listen to your criticisms. I will practice being more responsive and less reactive. I will wedge the doors open, even if it means breaking them.” – Rev. Louis Mitchell
The Courage To Turn Tables

“This Advent, I am embracing the courage to be and leaning in to the potential of my own queer becoming.” – Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza
The Courage To Be

“During this Advent season, as we await the arrival of the Messiah, may we also remember all who wait for deliverance from oppression. May we remember those who seek liberation from those who value fossil fuels over land and water, money over the sanctity of God’s creation; and as we are able may we each have the Courage to Stand.” – Lynn Young
The Courage To Stand

Read Week One: Reflections on Hope

Image created by Believe Out Loud using photos by flickr user Joe O’Meara