Yesterday morning I sat across from a friend in a coffee shop. She ordered a cinnamon roll the size of my face and let me have part of it. Because this is what true friends do.
We’d both just come through weeks of turmoil and a few tears. We felt battle worn and a bit weary. But we also felt victorious. “Years ago we would have backed down,” we said to each other, “We would have let fear win.” But not now. Not anymore.
A few minutes ago I talked with another friend who is still right in the middle of the surge. She’s afraid and wants to quit but keeps saying, “I have to see this through because it’s about more than just me.” I know she will.
When I think of all three of our situations, and so many more I see in my real life and online, I realize we are a generation of warriors. We may not ever be recognized as such. Because we fight not with anger but with grace. We defend not with force but with kindness. And we know this secret—that God Himself is love and nothing is impossible with Him.
This doesn’t mean we need to have it all together. It doesn’t require a spotless life. We’re not supposed to have all the answers. I think it simply means that we speak the truth of our stories, the truth of the God we love, where we are right now and as best as we know how.
If we were face-to-face now I’d turn to you and say, “We’re here for such a time as this.” We’re in nurseries and board rooms. Homes and high rises. Schools and senior retirement centers. We’re a fiercehearted force to be reckoned with. We are strong, brave and loved.
This post is an excerpt from my new devotional Strong, Brave, Loved: Empowering Reminders of Who You Really Are. It released two days ago, and I’m so thankful for the ways you have cheered this message on. Thank you! If you preordered a copy, or choose to order a copy now that it’s available everywhere books are sold, please hang onto your email receipt. It will give you access to an Online Bible Study. Learn more about the Study here!
Don’t miss this important conversation. In Episode 43 of More than Small Talk, we’re talking about mental health and the church. Click here to listen in.
