We are all Brave

Bravery is not a feeling. Many times we expect a rush of happiness to overtake us when we practice being brave. A confirmation of emotional pleasure, if you will, as we boldly embark on a daring adventure. Sometimes this does happen.

But I’m learning that the word brave actually signifies something greater than feeling blissful in the face of uncertainty. Bravery is not just an act of awe-inspiring courage that leaves people with their jaws dropped. It is a choice. To pursue the daily tasks of life with just as much passion as we do the large feats of grandeur that sometimes come our way.

Being brave can’t be determined by our emotional stability because more often than not our emotions tell us to run away from the danger fast approaching. They tell us to retreat and find the nearest Starbucks to nestle down in with a good book until the threat has passed.We can’t avoid the inevitable, however. Diapers don’t change themselves, dishes don’t clean themselves, and jobs (whether in the home or out of it) don’t complete themselves. We have to be brave against our will sometimes.

The elderly woman next door who only leaves her house once a day for an afternoon walk is brave. She fights the depression begging her to stay stuck behind closed doors. She chooses to go out into the light. And the little girl at the park who only plays by herself is brave, too. She chooses to overcome her shy nature. She fights her fears in hopes that one day she might make a new friend. You, my dear one, are also brave. With a capital B.

It’s not what you do that makes you this way. It’s not the sense of joy you get when a task is checked off of your list. It’s not the pride in your heart at overcoming a battle that waged war on your soul for way too long. No. Bravery is your identity. It’s in your DNA.

 “So God created mankind in his own image…” – Genesis 1:27

 We are image-bearers of our Creator God. How much more brave can you get? He created the whole entire world. From nothing. And He made us to be just like Him. Think of the endless possibilities within our very grasp. Every single day we have an opportunity to show off our mad brave skills.

Raising babies isn’t for the cowardly. It’s for the ordinary woman walking around with extraordinary strength on the inside of her. She resolves to push through the messy times and find peace in the chaotic moments. This is BRAVE.

Keeping a house isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires tenacity and the ability to multi-task amidst piles of junk mail and toys. She desires to make a home in the middle of the mundane chores that constantly scream for attention. This is BRAVE.

Working a 9 to 5 isn’t for the weakling. It presents the opportunity for her God-given potential to shine through in a way that brings a sense of accomplishment. She finishes a project and punches a time clock in a manner that brings God glory. This is BRAVE.

How do we tap into the brave that is flowing in our veins? Ignore the feelings of boredom that come from living too many humdrum days. Believe that bravery is within you. No need to go out looking for it.

Hollywood’s version of courage has us all thinking that it’s only meant for the few and far between. This is a lie. The truth of God’s word says we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ who loves us. (Romans 8:37) His love makes us brave! There’s no bigger revelation than really believing that we were created out of love, in the image of love, and for the purpose of love.

Sisters, how can we not be brave when we are armed with this truth?