Something I’ve loved so far about preparing for the World Race is the excuse it’s given me to send people letters. Handwritten, sealed envelope, smeared ink, the whole deal.
The world could use more handwritten letters, right?
One of my favorite writers, Hannah Brencher, pointed this out to me. I’ve been reading her new book, If You Find This Letter, and it’s given me a new appreciation for taking the time to write to someone a heartfelt “thank you,” or sometimes even just, “I was thinking about you the the other day… .”
So imagine my excitement when, just last week, I opened up the mailbox and found a letter from Hannah Brencher herself. Granted, I gave her my address because she offered to write anyone and everyone who wanted a handwritten letter. But still… I felt honored, because for the few minutes it took to write that letter, she dedicated that space of time and that empty sheet of paper to this girl she doesn’t know, this girl who just likes to read her words. Maybe that’s why anyone loves a letter, even from a stranger– it’s the equivalent of grabbing someone’s hand and just saying, “Hey, I see you.”
But the fact that my favorite writer sent me a letter was actually not the best part of this short anecdote. The best part was what the letter said.
I read over her words quickly, so at first they didn’t register with me. But after the excitement wore off a little bit, the words started to sink in.
“Don’t let fear win.”
The thing is, “brave” is not a word I would use to describe myself lately. In fact, I have a tendency to just want to make myself smaller. And something I’ve realized lately is the difference between making yourself smaller, and making yourself lower. You make yourself smaller when you “walk through life trying to be an apology letter at every turn,” as Hannah says. You get lower when you humbly hand over your fear, anxiety, and insecurity, and say, “Here God, use me despite this.”
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in You through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7
Are you making yourself smaller, or are you making yourself lower?
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I’m so close to reaching my goal for March ($3000)! I’d love it if you would prayerfully consider supporting me and partnering with me, either by praying for me as I prepare to leave in September, a one-time or monthly donation, or even just sharing my blog. Thanks for reading 🙂
