Courage of the Heart

Is there anything better than seeing someone you love totally in their element?

You know, that space where time and ego are suspended, where the light of truth shines through, where you get a new glimpse of someone’s heart.

I was privileged to see that when my friend Janice launched her book, Eve/Lilith.

It was an intimate gathering of friends and family on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We gathered to hear Janice tell the twin stories of Eve and Lilith, and celebrate the publication of her book. Although I’ve known Janice since 2004, I had never seen her in her role as storyteller.  And I was awestruck.

All of the things I already knew about Janice were there, but on this day they were in full view: confidence, beauty, articulation, clarity, strength, engagement, courage.

I was particularly moved by her courage. It is one thing to get up in front of a group of people you don’t know and can walk away from at the end of your time, without having to see them ever again. It is another thing entirely to be vulnerable, to expose your heart in front of your family, your friends and put yourself on the line with the people who love you most, and can therefore hurt you most.

Maybe Janice doesn’t have that issue. Maybe that’s all mine. But I still call it a courageous act. And courage, from the Latin, “cor”, means heart.

To show yourself for who you are is an act of courage. To show your heart is an act of courage.

I saw Janice’s heart. And it was beautiful.

The author, signing her books.

The table is set.

Appropriate, no?

Eve/Lilith

Janice in action.... note the smiles.