This episode of The Inner Life with Patrick Conley is worth the listen, as Patrick and Fr. Matthew Widder unpack what fortitude really is and how it can help us face life’s toughest battles. 🛑👀

You can catch the whole hour here!

(Note that some of what’s discussed in this clip may not be suitable for sensitive ears.)

What Even Is Fortitude? 🤔

Father reminds us that fortitude is one of the four cardinal virtues (the main virtues that everything else hinges on). Fortitude gives us firmness and consistency when pursuing the good, even when the going gets brutally tough. It’s not about erasing fear: it’s about moving through fear because you’re locked in on what really matters: God’s will and the higher good. 🙌

Fun fact: Fortitude also has a bestie: Fear of the Lord. No, not the “quaking in your boots” fear, but a wonder and awe for God that helps us prioritize His ways over everything else. Together, these spiritual superpowers help us stay the course, especially when our faith meets resistance (like trying to convince your family to go to Sunday Mass on vacation when everyone’s still in their PJs 🤷‍♂️).

Fortitude vs. Worldly Courage 🌎✝️

The world sees courage as doing bold stuff, like climbing Everest or confronting a bear (which, let’s be honest, most of us would never do). But fortitude? It’s quieter, humbler. It’s courage with purpose: like speaking up about your faith when it’s awkward. The world’s courage is about ego; fortitude is about love. ❤️

Fr. Matthew hilariously notes we all show hints of fortitude, even in small ways: like braving a -30° morning just to snag that first cup of coffee. ☕ But real fortitude shines when we sacrifice comfort for something higher, like serving others or standing firm in faith.

Kimberly’s Story: From Despair to Cheerleader 🎉📣

And then comes Kimberly: a caller from Phoenix whose testimony left everyone in awe. She shared how she hit rock bottom, overwhelmed by despair to the point of suicidal thoughts. God rescued her out of that darkness. ✨

Her transformation started with 3 twelve-step programs, which taught her to surrender her will and selfishness to God. Through the healing, she developed not only a deeper faith but also the fortitude to face life’s challenges head-on. Now? Kimberly’s a “cheerleader” for others, encouraging them to find healing, hope, and purpose. She reminded listeners that you don’t have to live in darkness; God is ready to lead you to recovery and purpose if you’re willing to trust Him. 🙏

Key Takeaways: How to Grow in Fortitude 🌱

Admit You Can’t Do It Alone 🙋‍♀️

Like Kimberly said, the first step is recognizing you need help: from God, a trusted friend, or your parish community. Father reminds us that isolation is the devil’s playground, and fortitude thrives in communion.

Start Small but Be Consistent 🏋️‍♂️

Virtues are habits, y’all. You don’t wake up a saint overnight. Practice fortitude in small ways: like choosing prayer over Netflix or speaking up when your values are challenged at work.

Pray for the Gift of the Holy Spirit 🕊️

Remember, fortitude is a gift of the Holy Spirit, planted in us through baptism and confirmation. Ask the Holy Spirit to fire up that gift and guide you when you’re tempted to give up.

Focus on the Higher Good

Whether it’s parenting, pursuing your vocation, or serving others, fortitude helps us prioritize what really matters. It’s about saying, “Lord, help me to love what You love” and making decisions based on that.

Mic-Drop Moment 🎤✨

Fortitude doesn’t mean you’re fearless. Sometimes, you’ll still feel terrified or weak, but fortitude lets you push forward anyway. As Fr. Matthew put it, when we recognize the highest good in any situation: whether it’s caring for a crying baby at 3 AM or facing a tough moral decision, God gives us the strength to choose love over fear.

So, are you ready to grow in fortitude? Start by surrendering to God, even in your weakness. Because, like St. Paul said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9).

 

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