Take Courage
- Katie Donahue
- Sep 16
- 5 min read
“Sometimes one has the impression that there are forces ready to do almost anything to slow down, and even put an end to, the movement toward Christian unity. But we cannot give in: Daily we must find the courage and strength to continue on the path already undertaken.”
~St. John Paul the Great
These words pierced my heart today. They feel urgent, almost prophetic, in light of the tragic events of the past few weeks and months. Violence, sorrow, and division seem to echo all around us, and it can be tempting to fall into despair, to believe that unity is an unreachable dream. The forces of darkness thrive on suspicion, fracture, and discouragement. They whisper the lie that we are too different, too wounded, too far gone to ever be made one. And yet, St. John Paul II’s reminder stops me in my tracks: unity is not optional. It is the very heartbeat of Christ’s prayer to the Father: “so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you” ~John 17:21. Christian unity is not a side project, it is central to the Gospel itself.
But unity does not mean we all have to be the same. It does not gloss over grief, erase questions, or demand that we abandon our differences. Rather, it sanctifies them. It transforms what separates us in to gifts that enrich the Body of Christ. Our distinct voices, cultures, and experiences become threads in a larger tapestry God is weaving. Each of us is invited to contribute something essential. The question is: what are you bringing?
Now more than ever, courage is required. Courage to forgive when bitterness feels safer. Courage to love when hatred grows louder. Courage to choose peace when the world feels like it’s unraveling at the seams. Unity cannot be built on comfort; it is built on the daily, often hidden, choices to resist division and live in hope.
I believe I am starting to see that courage rise up in people around me, in small acts of kindness, in quiet words of reconciliation, in the insistence that we are not enemies but brothers and sisters. Are you seeing it too?
St. John Paul II reminds us: we cannot give in. The reconciling love of Christ is stronger than the powers of division and despair. Every step we take toward one another, however small, pushes back the darkness and bears witness to the Kingdom of God.
So let us keep walking this path of unity and courage...together...trusting that what God desires, no power on earth can destroy.
SPIRITUAL
A Prayer for Unity and Courage
Lord Jesus Christ, You prayed that we might all be one, as You are one with the Father. In a world wounded by division and sorrow, give us the courage to walk the path of unity.
Grant us courage to forgive when bitterness feels easier,
courage to love when hatred shouts louder,
and courage to stand for peace when the world trembles in fear.
Unite our hearts in Your truth, sanctify our differences, and teach us to bring our unique gifts for the good of Your Body, the Church.
When we are weary, strengthen us.
When we are tempted to give in, remind us of Your victory.
When we are afraid, fill us with Your peace.
When we are uncertain, guide us by Your light.
May we walk together with steadfast hope as this Jubilee year continues, trusting that what You desire, no power on earth can destroy.
Amen.
SELF
Self-knowledge is an essential step on the path to unity. St. Paul reminds us that the Body of Christ is made up of many members, each with unique gifts meant for the good of all. But how do you know your gifts? And once you discover them, how do you use them?
Begin by noticing what brings you life. Pay attention to the places where joy, energy, and fruitfulness flow most naturally in your life. That is often where God has hidden your gifts. Prayer and reflection help bring clarity, but so does community: the people who love you often see your gifts more clearly than you do. Ask, listen, and receive their encouragement with humility and grace.
Once recognized, your gifts are not meant to be stored away but shared generously. Start small. Offer your gifts where you are...at home, in your parish, in your friendships. No gift is too simple or too hidden to make a difference. In God’s economy, even the smallest act of service has eternal weight.
And if you are not sure what your gifts are, or how to begin using them, that’s okay. This kind of discernment takes time, prayer, and guidance. As a life coach and certified Charism coach, I walk with people through this very process, helping them discover their unique design and how to live it out for the good of all. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Please reach out if you would like to chat about growing in your knowledge of self and in using your gifts.
Your gifts are not just for you, they are for all of us.
SERVICE
5 Simple Acts of Service for This Week
In a time when the world feels heavy with sorrow and division, you may wonder what difference you can make. But service, love in action, always matters.
Here are five simple ways to bring light and unity right where you are this week:
Hug your kids a little tighter. Let them feel your love and security in a world that often feels uncertain. Make eye contact, tell them you love them and are here for them.
Go on a date with your spouse. Strengthen your marriage by making time to connect and enjoy one another. It's worth it!
Reach out to someone on your heart. Send a text, make a call, or drop off a note to remind them they are not alone.
Show kindness to a stranger. A smile, a patient word, or a small gesture can restore hope in ways you may never see.
Pray for someone who is hard to love. Service begins in the heart, and interceding for others softens your own spirit and invites God’s grace in.
Together, these little seeds of service build a culture of hope and unity that no darkness can overcome.
ZUCCHINI SEASON
Our girls have a bake sale for NCYC coming up this weekend and we are making at least a couple loaves of this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread from Sally's Baking Addiction. The only problem with making it "early" is that it tends to get eaten before I get it packaged up! This picture is from the bread we made last year:
As you continue to move forward, remember that unity begins with the courage to show up...with your gifts, with your love, and with your service. Each step, each act of kindness, each prayer for peace matters more than you know. Let’s walk this path together, trusting that what God desires for His people, no power on earth can destroy.
With hope and courage, your sister in Christ,
Katie
P.S. If this reflection spoke to you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend who could use encouragement today. And if you are ready to go deeper in discovering your unique gifts, I would be honored to walk with you as your coach.
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