Being Brave
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” ~ John A. Shedd
Brave has become one of my favorite words.
My younger daughter introduced our family to the word brave. Growing up, she often processed her feelings out loud and needed a great deal of verbal encouragement. When she was little and had about worn me out one day with her worries, complaints, aches, pains, and fears, I told her that I didn’t know what else I could do for her. I had no more answers, and I was at a loss for how to help her. Whatever it was, I couldn’t fix it. She said these words to me, which have continued to be our mantra to one another:
Mom, I just need you to tell me I’m a brave soldier.
As she grew up and faced some difficult circumstances, I said those words over and over and over until she claimed them for herself. She continued to push herself forward in spite of her fears and learned to surround herself with others who will applaud and encourage her attempts at valor. For her nineteenth birthday last year, I gave her a bracelet with the words “Be Brave” etched into a silver cuff–a concrete symbol of my words to her when I am too far away to speak the reminder out loud. I wear an identical bracelet as a reminder that I, too, am capable of courage.
Some days life feels overwhelming, and the path forward is not clear. It is tempting to stay stuck in the safe and familiar, even when the familiar is less than desirable. Being brave is hard work. Stepping out of our comfort zones, risking vulnerability, trying new things, pursuing our passions, and moving forward in spite of our fears often requires all the courage and resolve we can muster. In order to be successful, we would be wise to surround ourselves with those who name us brave and remind us we are meant for lives of risk and daring.
[Tweet “Throughout Scripture, God reminds us to be brave, to be strong and courageous because he is with us.”] We are designed to be bold and adventurous, but sometimes we forget and need a reminder we don’t journey alone. Like the ship in the harbor, we are called to venture out to the wide-open seas for which we were created. The abundant life God promises requires us to trust him and lean on one another.
Lord, help us to remember that you created us to leave the safety of the harbor. Make us bold and brave. Whisper in our ears the ways in which you are calling us out of our comfort zones to make a difference in your kingdom. Whether through a difficult conversation, an act of creation, an innovative project, or simply finding contentment in the ordinary, remind us we can do hard things with your help.
Scripture for Reflection
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)
“This is my command-=be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT)
“Then David continued, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.’” (1 Chronicles 28:20 NLT)
Reach for More
This week’s challenge is to do one brave thing every day. We become braver by doing brave acts, no matter how small. Make one tiny step towards the dream you have been postponing, take a risk in a relationship, try something you have always wanted to do, sign up for a class, leave the bed unmade and play, or speak up about injustice. Whatever makes you feel equal parts vulnerable and exhilarated, say yes to it this week.
Name a friend or family member brave who has been stepping outside their comfort zone. Cheer them on and tell them you are proud of their courage.
Find a partner to share your plans for your brave steps, ask them about theirs, and then hold each other accountable.
Brave friends, please come back and leave a comment telling us about something brave you did, how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.
Kelly Johnson is a counselor, writer, speaker, and advocate. She leads a weekly Bible study and serves as chair of the board of directors at a local shelter for the homeless. Married to her high school sweetheart, she is the mom of two college-age daughters. Kelly writes about life, faith, and her newly empty nest at kellyjohnsongracenotes.com.
