I plopped down on the couch with my youngest, in the middle of a messy, hard week- and we flipped on the Disney channel to find something to watch. We caught the scene in the most recent version Cinderella where she looks at herself in the mirror and says, “Take courage. Be kind.” And although Isabella and I have watched that movie at least 10 times, that scene took my breath for just a moment and I had a new thought. What if I face this really hard thing like I’ve never done before? What if I try something new this time? What if I don’t chase it away with food? (This time it was egg rolls) What if I lean into this, tear stained face first and didn’t run away from the lesson?
What if I really “take courage”. Like, literally take it by the hand and give it a good try?
It takes so much courage to face down monsters in our heads. To try something new and not run in fear. To look the bully in the eye and say “no more”. To fly on that plane, put down that drink, walk away from abuse, use our gifts, open our homes, say the hard thing, be brave, try the healthier option, say yes, say no, be different, forgive.
What if I “be kind?” Like, literally be kind to myself while I try?
So, here’s my blog series for this year: Where can we chase courage? I’ll write my thoughts- let me know how they strike you. For me- this year is chasing down how to be brave in using my gifts- to open my mind instead of giving way to fear, talk about what is true and hold out Grace to my circles- so that we can push each other to take courage and be kind. This has so many layers- my marriage, parenting, faith, friendships, trying new sports, releasing my kids to try new things, pushing myself professionally, forgiving hurts, asking for forgiveness, even trying new things in kitchen- cause cooking is LIFE with these boys- and just being brave. We might fail. That’s okay. I know a guy, and He’s got me.
My first assignment to myself: take courage in what scares me- so far it’s been to apply for a job that I really want but might not get, put in for some speaking gigs that push me professionally, leaning into forgiving some hurts that were sitting on my heart, and then trying some new to me ways of dealing with my insecurities.
What scares you? Where do you need to take some courage? I hope this finds your heart where it needs to be encouraged. I’ll write once a week and hope to hear from you if you find this helpful.
xo
Sarah
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13