Looking through Instagram, courage isn’t the first word that comes to my mind. Rather, images that convey “look at me” and “see how amazing my life is” are pushed to the top of our feeds.
However, when I look back at World Vision’s Instagram posts of 2018, courage is the word God showed me. It was everywhere. Children, families, our staff, and you — our amazing supporters — were stepping out in faith, believing that God will provide even in times of trials and tribulations.
Today, join me in remembering the courageous people who inspire me. I hope they inspire you as well.
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Post #1: Jan. 6, Honduras
In Africa, people say that water is life, and in Honduras, few know this better than 5-year-old David. He walked miles every day with his mother and little brother to retrieve dirty water from a river, nearly drowning as his mother washed the family’s clothes.
Hundreds of people submitted prayers to help him be strong. And thanks to your prayers, World Vision’s partnerships with generous donors, and hard work, David and his community will have lasting clean water for years to come. David’s strength lands my top spot.
Post #2: May 31, Zambia
Edgar Sandoval Sr. stepped into the role of president of World Vision U.S. on Oct. 1. His courage to follow God’s call to serve inspires me. With more than 1,000 likes on this post and 34 prayer comments that followed, I’ve viewed and recognized your support behind his bold faith as well.
Post #3: June 12, Bangladesh
When I read 16-year-old Tania’s story, I walked away in awe of her courage. She was forced to set aside her needs to provide for her family — by herself! When her once hard-working father was blinded and unable to provide as a result of a brutal mugging, Tania dropped out of school and began working the overnight shift in a shrimp factory.
Fortunately, peeling shrimp didn’t diminish Tania’s dreams. With a sewing machine in hand — a gift from our donors — combined with grit and determination, Tania is on her way achieving her dreams.
Post #4: July 20, Rwanda
That smile. Little Oddeth is a ray of courageous light in her community of Nyamagabe, where the scars of the 1994 Rwanda genocide is still evident. Her innocence and unrelenting love are helping these scars fade, transforming once-hard hearts from hopelessness to happiness. With 21 comments of encouragement for that smile to continue, I know you were inspired by her bravery too.
Post #5: Sept. 7, Democratic Republic of the Congo
I love this one. The look of pure determination is evident on this girl’s face as she grabs a tin plate and begins the courageous and long walk to a World Vision nutrition center, where she fills up her belly with the food she needs to grow big and strong!
When I feel afraid, I only need to look at her face to be reminded that God’s got this: Whatever I am walking through, he will provide the courage to face it.
Post #6: Nov. 27, Zambia
My final choice is dedicated to our donors and advocates who stepped out in faith this past Giving Tuesday and helped make it our biggest giving day of the year. From people who had little to others who had plenty, I saw the bold and courageous hearts of our supporters who trusted that God would use their donations to make the biggest impact possible.
Because of you, children like Debby have a brighter future. From all of us at World Vision, thank you for giving us the means to carry out God’s work.
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Courage. It’s inside of us all. But what motivated us to act on that courage? The answer? Faith. Fueled by our faith, God commands us to step out in boldness each and every day. When I am feeling scared, I turn to the fearless children, families, and donors highlighted in our daily Instagram posts that inspire me with their courageous faith.
I couldn’t be more honored to have walked with you on this journey of courage in 2018. Are you feeling inspired? Tell us in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @WorldVisionUSA.
Sarah Nizolek manages the World Vision USA Instagram channel. It is her honor and privilege to write these daily posts and stories. She hopes they encourage and inspire you as much as they do her.
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