B is for BRAVERY

*** This is the second of 26 posts (working through the alphabet) on lessons life has taught me. Won't you journey with me? ***

Is your idea of bravery misconstrued? Mine sure is. My false sense of bravery is framed by what I think would make the news headlines.

I (am starting to) believe there’s the bravery in ordinary, every day living, it’s just harder to recognize. It certainly doesn’t make the headlines nor is it widely celebrated. Doing the brave or courageous thing doesn’t always look big. It’s not always showy, and CNN will (more than likely) never cover your story.

When day-to-day living becomes overwhelming, true bravery comes from drawing deep and deciding to carry on, in spite of your circumstances or how you feel. Sometimes being brave is making what looks like the smallest of choices - ordinary things, and committing to taking the next step.

For me, being brave is getting out of bed, when the last thing you want to do is face whatever is waiting for you that day.

Being brave is showing up – for your friends, family or even work, when the last thing you want to do is face people.

Being brave is found in the decision that you’re being alive matters, even if there’s no immediate relief in your pain or circumstance.

Doing brave things doesn’t mean doing big things.

The Sovereign Lord gives me strength. He makes me sure-footed as a deer and keeps me safe on the mountains. Habakkuk 3:19

Life can be cruel – certainly unfair at times. The good news, I’ve discovered, is that being brave doesn’t come from our own strength or inner courage. Thank goodness. I am weak at the best of times. My bravery comes from the strength of the Lord. That’s the great thing – even in my weakness and frailty – I can trust and lean in on the strength of God. This doesn’t mean the waters will part like He chose to do for the Israelites at the Red Sea in the story of Exodus, nor are we certain of immediate victory. But there’s some great strength that comes from knowing that the creator of the Universe is with me. And that makes me brave.

{I love this version of the above quoted verse found on Pinterest (of course). If someone knows what version this is, oh please let me know!}

When you find yourself at another dead end, courageously put your foot in the water and look expectantly to your Heavenly Father for your next step, knowing He is with you – even in the darkest and most volatile of places. Hang in there, brave friend.

Looking for more encouragement - check out this song:

Brave by Moriah Peters

And if you like a little rap, try this version featuring Andy Meneo