Bravery Requires FEAR…

In 2016, I moved to Orlando, leaving all the things I loved, my friends, my family, my church, and the new budding program I created for girls, and I tried to trust the push.

This is the push that sometimes comes in life, and you don’t totally understand why; the picture isn’t clear, the future is uncertain, and there is a ton of risk, yet the push of gravity or the Spirit is so strong- you must go.

So I went.

I got to my destination, started a new job, a new church, and a new life, and tried to develop new friendships.

It was so hard.

I am a devoted Dr. Brene’ Brown fan and had learned a lot from her leading up to this transition. One thing I was trying to do was live “Brave”. To dare greatly. To risk. To dare to live vulnerably and with all my heart.

I showed up at my new job and created my login password: esto fortis…which means Be Brave

Every day I typed this phrase.

And now, for years, I have continued to use this phrase.

So over and over I tell myself: Be Brave, Be Brave, Be Brave.

Little did I know the seasons that lie ahead that were going to draw out every ounce of bravery a girl could have.

Little did I know that life was about to demand that I learn new skills, face fears, become acquainted with humiliation, and maybe even find my face in the dirt.

There would be no sitting on the sidelines of life watching; I am in the arena. My face is marred with blood and sweat, taking on all life can throw at me, yet I am daring greatly.

This little girl is becoming a mighty warrior, fighting for myself and for others, for love, for wholeness, for mental health, for spiritual health, and for the health of our souls.

Only those in the arena need to Be Brave.

The sidelines are nice, cozy, safe, and entertaining, and no bravery is required.

My dears, my prayer for you today is that you might get out of your seat and take the first step towards fighting for your own life. To fight for your wholeness and for your mental, spiritual, and soul health. To get dirty, hurt some, bleed some, and take the next brave step.

“To be brave means to face danger, pain, or difficult situations with courage, often continuing to act despite feeling afraid. It is about having the mental or moral strength to endure adversity and do what is necessary. Bravery requires fear. If a situation is completely safe, no bravery is needed.” – (Google AI Overview)

Bravery requires fear. So let’s do it afraid.

I am with you on the journey, and we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are cheering us on. I can almost hear them in the distance, cheering as we bravely walk into the arena of life with our WHOLE, vulnerable, imperfect selves.

From My Heart To YOURS