First of all, this is awesome. Everyone needs to check out this amazing community of honest writers and genuine encouragers. I love it. Five Minute Friday
Now, my five minutes...
Running the word through my mind, I immediately think of the soldiers who walk onto battlefields never knowing if they'll walk off. I think of the unafraid and undaunted. Those who never look back. But is that really what brave is?
I've been called brave. And I scoff. I let it wash right over me. I'm not the hero. I'm not the one walking forward, straight and steady. I'm the one turning around, in circles, begging for a different option.
But maybe those who are unafraid, undaunted, steady without hesitation, maybe they are just in denial, ignorant. Because really, if you knew the risk, all the risks, you'd never walk straight and steady. Maybe the true brave are those few who know what is at stake, who know what can be lost, who waver and scare, who hesitate and heave sighs and still choose, with every heavy step, to walk forward into their battle.
Brave is the wife who worries her marriage is over and still finds his hand to hold. Brave is the girl who knows she'll lose friends but still chooses to bring her Bible. Brave is the single mom who knows the ends won't meet and still wakes her babies up with smiles. Brave is the one betrayed learning to trust again.
So maybe brave can also be the weary one searching for treasure, for joy, in the Barren Land? The one determined to grow things where things don't grow?
Because really, brave is knowing what we're in for and still walking on, having faith when the storms are raging.
beautiful! and so, so very true. this is the Christian walk, and you have penned it with grace and beauty.
ReplyDeletehang on to those words of yours. they will grow in your heart and continue to bolster and encourage you.
have a blessed day!
Steph
Amen, so true.
ReplyDeleteI love it. Sometimes we're most brave when we don't even realize it. When we are just doing what must be done...no matter how hard it is. thank you!
ReplyDeleteI thought of almost the same things just this morning after I did my 5 minute entry. People have said I am brave and I do the same thing, let it wash over and pass it off and wonder who they are talking about because it sure couldn't be me. They have said it as I was on the mission field in a place that is in the top 5 on the places the US gov. says not to go to. But from my point of view, it wasn't brave. To me brave were men like John Patton who went to islands inhabited by cannibals to many years ago. Men like David Livingstone who crossed unknown continents. Thanks for sharing your words here.
ReplyDeleteI love this: "brave is knowing what we're in for and still walking on, having faith when the storms are raging."
Your last line is one I will print out and post as a reminder. Thanking you for sharing such beautiful words.
ReplyDeleteYes brave definitely is walking on! God made it clear that our lives would not be easy...in the eyes of the world, we have much to fear...but GOD is our victor and He gives us strength and guides our steps. <3
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post. Brave isn't a feeling (as I learned from another FMF post) but is the just-keep-going in it all. Bless you as you keep on in bravery, even if it feels like you might be going in circles or ducking for cover!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenna,
ReplyDeleteI'm hearing your heart in this:
"So maybe brave can also be the weary one searching for treasure, for joy, in the Barren Land? The one determined to grow things where things don't grow?"
It brought to mind the place in Isaiah where He prophesies of the desert coming alive with springs and crocus. And the barren place give way to life and healing and dancing. Our Redeemer raises up life up out of the dust and tears. The brave ones keep walking toward what they cannot see—even through the Valley of Tears.
Hi Jenna,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad we got connected through FMF. It's so nice to 'meet' you and hear your heart in these words as you talk about being brave. I love, love, love this: 'Maybe the true brave are those few who know what is at stake, who know what can be lost, who waver and scare, who hesitate and heave sighs and still choose, with every heavy step, to walk forward into their battle.' And that chilling last line. I love the way you write and can't wait to stop back again and read more!
Heather