A Brave Me

Today I decided to shine the spotlight on a little girl I met over two decades ago. She is now grown with a family of her own. Standing in purpose, she continues to unfold in the hands of the One who gently molds her into His image.

I took that picture over 20+ years ago. A little girl filled with dreams, potential, vision, and purpose waiting to blossom. Do you look at your little girl or boy and wonder? Be encouraged as you believe for your children. Believe that their destiny and purpose will not be aborted or frustrated. While you are at it, believe for yourself too.

I admire her ability to pen her thoughts in a way that says exactly what you wanted to say but couldn’t find the words. With her permission I am reposting one of her posts. Listen to what she wrote:

“I’ve thought deeply about the woman I’m becoming and one of the things I want to be more of is brave.  Believe it or not, just because someone may be bold doesn’t always mean that they are brave, although these qualities are commonly associated with or mistaken for one another. Bold requires a sense of pride (in my opinion) while being brave requires you to relinquish control allowing for several different possibilities to be the outcome.  Brave involves vulnerability, going inward and drawing it out.

After presenting a project that is near and dear to my heart in an academic space, I thought about how much courage it took for me to speak concisely and with conviction.  I decided that I want to be brave in other areas of my life. I want to be a brave mother. I want to be a brave wife. I want to be a brave ME — because I am more than being a wife and mom.

Starting this season, I dare to do more of the things that edify me and give me a sense of fulfillment: acting in alignment with my convictions and not in alignment with how people perceive me is a big one; being brave enough to not second guess myself because my intuition is very strong — thank you Holy Spirit; being brave enough to follow a possibly lucrative business venture no matter how scary; being brave enough to trust God more as my only Source; being brave enough to love wholeheartedly; being brave enough to set boundaries; being brave enough to speak the truth in love; being brave enough to graciously embrace me now and strive for better; being brave enough to stand firm even if I stand alone; and brave enough to be alone because alone does not mean lonely.

This summer will be a “Brave Woman Summer” through and through.“

Danielle J. Smythe

I too want to be brave. How about you?

***Thanks for reading. ‘Like’ and share. While you are at it – Dare to be brave!