The women drift tentatively through the door of the (in)courage meet-up. They scan the room and look for a seat. A place to belong. Isn’t that what we all want? Each spot at every table has a little plate with a miniature cupcake on it. Chocolate and vanilla and sprinkles set out like welcome mats.
We begin the evening, talk and laugh, and then it’s time for discussion questions. What makes you feel brave? The women at my table have inspiring answers. One talks about worship music and how the words move her soul. Another speaks of friends who encourage. A woman with a bright smile says simply obeying is what does it in her life.
I can barely remember my answer. I think I copied someone else’s. And I said something about thinking back on what God has already done in my life. I also give a shout-out to my red cowboy boots, the ones I wear whenever my knees start knocking and I need to tap into my inner wonder woman.
But all of my replies feel uncertain to me, as if I’ve left out something important and true. Back in my hotel room later that evening, I realize it’s this: I never feel brave. When this thought first pops into my mind I try to deny it. Surely I do sometimes. Yet I can’t think of a single time “brave” showed up as an emotion in my world.
Continue reading with me today at (in)courage…
*****
p.s.
An Invitation: I am so excited to be doing a Facebook live event with Jennifer Watson and Suzanne Eller on Tuesday, August 30th at 2:30 CT {just go to my facebook page at that time to view it at that time}. And we are going to let YOU decide what we talk about!
What’s on your heart? What’s on your mind? What have you always been afraid to ask but would love to? Leave a comment on this blog post and let us know {email subscribers, click here instead of replying to the email}. Then we will listen hard to all you say and respond via live video. Nothing is off limits–let’s go there together!
We’re looking forward to sharing this time with you…
IS the chat the 31st or 30th? Sounds like fun…
Thank you so much for catching my typo, Kathie! It is Tuesday the 30th. You can watch live or view the recording afterward. Hope you can join us! 🙂
How can someone who says she loves the Lord and believes in Him be so consumed by fear?
It just occurred to me that my question sounded accusatory about Holley but is about me…I struggle with fear yet have been doing small group bible studies for ten years. I don’t get how I still struggle as much as I do with fear.
Jenn B, – I struggle with this, too!! Specifically fear and anxiety! You are not alone!!
Thank you! I’ll be praying for all of us!!!
Holley, just a note to say that you are more brave than you know. I especially enjoyed the statement about your red boots!! Keep on being a braveheart. 🙂
Thanks for your sharing Holley.
Your message and reminder couldn’t be more timely (Praise the Lord!). I’ve been reading (in)courage posts for a while now as a subscriber but never shared my thoughts (yup, too scared).
I’m embarking on a new project right now (writing and illustrating a book for children and parents for the first time) and need to be brave like never before. I’ve delayed my new project time and time again because of the lack of “brave”.
Thank you for helping me think about brave differently.
You and the sisters in Christ who commented on your post have blessed me today. Heartfelt “thank you”s to you all.
Annetta
I don’t know how to pray out loud in a group…l’m lost for words and afraid.
Vicki – I struggle with this, too! I am sitting here thinking of questions I could ask, but as I scroll through the comments I am seeing so many of my own struggles already shared. I pray alone all the time, I pray out loud with my kids… but put me in front of a group of people and I choke up even though I know I’m really just having a conversation with God! I even have a hard time praying out loud in front of my husband, which now that I type that sounds SO silly… but it’s true!!
This looks like fun! Exciting event.
And yes, I agree with your view on bravery. 🙂
Holley–You have been given suxh a beautiful, insliring, encouraging gift–I live how you ahare your heart withvus–THANK YOU for obeying God and resoonding to the call He has placed on your lufe…I think that ID incredibly brave…such faith!
I have always had the freedom to step out and do whatever I felt needed to be done in my professional career. However, as a consyantky moving mikitary wife, when I became a mother of twins, I felt like I really needed to focus on taking care of them–and I have; but that has come at a price too: Isolation, fear, doubt….the list goes on. As a PhD in Child Develooment and consultant/business owner working hard to limit my hours to strictly part-time sobI can invest as mych time as possibke with my kiddos, I often feel like I just don”t “fit in” anywhete. I’m not a full-time stay at home mom ( though most of my dear friends are), and I’m not a “”full time career woman” either.
Sometimes I feel so stuck in the middle–and constantly reach up my arms to God, thanking him for the gift of an incredible education and the rare opportunity I have to use it to help so many other families and children, while asking Him to pull me through this “struggle.”
For years I have felt a tugging on my heart to write a book for moms. Now my kiddos are stsrting 1/2 day Kindergarten, and I am asking God to show me the where and when of how to make this happen and the bravery to address the “whether” question…..oh, praise Gid for fauth…and for YOU!
Loved this post today, Holley. I feel the same way. I got to thinking about how you lead anyways, and it is inspiring to me. My husband and I have had a tendency to think we need to always “become better” before leading, but maybe it’s like you are saying here…”Just show up.” Deep thoughts today. Thanks, friend!
Thank you for sharing different topics suggestions with me! We loved getting together and talking about risk and friendship – hopefully you were able to tune in! We’ll do this again soon. 🙂