doing courage

"Courage is a choice. You don't feel brave, you do brave." -Lisa Bevere

I'm a firm believer in people saying what they think and feel, even if they're thinking and feeling it alone. Almost especially if they're feeling it alone. Because even if the person they share their feelings with doesn't feel the same way, then at least they aren't truly alone anymore. Somebody knows them, has seen them, has heard their heart.

I wish we could all be a little more brave. Not "brave" as in skydiving or race car driving or tightrope walking. That's some loud bravery right there. And while loud bravery is good - pretty badass, actually - the kind of bravery I'm talking about is the quiet kind. The kind of bravery that it takes to say, "I love you" when you're not sure if the feeling is reciprocated. Or the kind of bravery that it takes to cry at the end of a really long, hard day. Or the kind of bravery that it takes to pray when you're unsure of who, exactly - if anyone at all - is listening.

I wish we could all do more courage together. These are courageous, quiet things; love, sadness, prayer. Sometimes these quiet things are best done alone. But other times, you might find that you get more out of quiet courage when you do it really, really loudly. Like telling that someone that you love them in person instead of via text. Or crying into your best friend's shoulder instead of your pillow. Or telling someone your story; showing them your heart, and then asking them to pray for or with you.

My challenge to you is this.

Do some courage this week. But spread it like wildfire. Do it together. Hold each other in your vulnerable, dark places. Share your hearts with one another, especially if they've been broken before. Be fearless in your authenticity. Show each other what it means to be brave, and then hold onto that orange, glowing energy. Let it fill you up and overflow when you can't hold it in anymore. And then do life that way. Doing courage, one day at a time.

\\

I'm praying for you guys today. I'm praying for you who are hurting, confused, lost, beaten, alone, scared, hopeless, tired, sick, sad. I know how it feels. Your world gets a little smaller, your view a little narrower. But know this; despite the pain that has painted your sky red, you are enough. Most of us live our lives as if we need to be more and different and better in order to be significant. We should strive to live our lives as is - BRAVELY embracing who we are and where we are, believing that our gifts, our life, as small or large as it actually is, is where God will be present to us and active through us. We must believe we can bless others by being who we actually are, and operating from where we actually are.

You are strong enough, brave enough, loved enough to continue on. Courage is a choice; so do some courage this week. It will be okay.

h