Good Monday Morning!
What an extraordinary weekend we had! I hope you took some time to go outdoors and soak up some natural Vitamin D, breathing in the beauty of nature. A perfect time for mindfulness and meditation to prepare for the rigors of the coming week. As we continue to look for safe ways to be around and among our friends and families, it’s almost an act of bravery to step out of our protective environments to do some self-care in different surroundings.
To be brave is to reach inside ourselves and access the courage to face our fears. Catherine the Great was credited with this thought, “I beg you take courage; the brave soul can mend even disaster.” Horace had this to say, “It is courage, courage, courage that raises the blood of life to crimson splendor. Live bravely and present, a brave front to adversity.” And Maya Angelou noted that “Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
Being brave helps us conquer our fears and positions us to master desired changes in our lives, such as determination, confidence, and perspective, as we’ve discussed over the last few weeks. Bravery helps us to overcome obstacles, take calculated risks, and love deeply. The practice helps us persevere, even when the odds are against us, and fearless when we feel we don’t have the strength to move forward. Another remarkable consequence of being brave is that we’re able to model this quality to others.
There’s such value in being transparent to others who may feel inept or ill-equipped to muster courage on their own, modeling our abilities to be brave when we’d rather retreat. We demonstrate the difference between holding on and moving on, particularly when we’re afraid ourselves.
I love Brené Brown’s take on the subject:
“Choose the great adventure of being brave and afraid at the exact same time.”
Ms. Brown reminds us that there are occasions when we must be both brave and afraid and deems it a great adventure. I wonder what it would be like to perceive bravery as an adventure of simultaneous awareness of the genuine conflict that happens in mere seconds when we must make a decision. I also wonder if intentionally sharing the conflicting thoughts with others in real-time would encourage them to have the courage to address the same in themselves. How marvelous to possess that discernment when in the compassionate acts of teaching, mentoring, or counseling, and be available to guide others through their dichotomy of conflicting, simultaneous thoughts. What an impact that would make in another’s life.
Scripture reminds us of the following:
“Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 (CEV)
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 61:13 (NKJV)
There’s a song written by Amanda Cook of Bethel Music, the lyrics of which are,
“You make me brave,
You make me brave,
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves.
You make me brave,
You make me brave,
No fear can hinder now the promises you made.”
The poetic verses remind us of the love and care we’re surrounded by from above.
Examine your bravery this week. Challenge yourself to pursue your purpose courageously. Take a moment to appreciate the intricacy with which you were created. Then look at how you’re encouraging others to be brave. Finally, thank those who make you brave. The richness and abundance that may follow might leave you breathless.
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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