First off words can’t begin to express the gratefulness of my heart. Since being accepted to The World Race your outpouring of love and support overflows my cup. So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!!
Thank you to each and every person who has helped financially. To be honest, fundraising was what terrified me the most about this incredible opportunity. But as this journey unfolds all I am filled with is excitement. It is exciting to see how God took those uncertainties and replaced them with peace as he intersects all our paths and winds his people together. ‘Next to grace, I bet God thinks having us need each other was one of His best ideas.’ – Bob Goff
Thank you to everyone who has and is praying for me. Your prayers and kind words are all sorts of encouraging to hear. I’ve recently been humbled and wanting to articulate certain thoughts I’ve had upon hearing words like “You’re so brave.” It’s something I’ve heard for some time but struggled to identify with. I mean brave? Have you met me lately? If you have you’d know I’m covered in fears the majority of the time. I wrestle with fears of loss, doubt, heights or my personal favorite a paralyzing fear of failure. I have no problem sharing my weaknesses with you for a minute because… ‘But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’ 2 Corinthians 12:9
Honestly friends I want you to know that I’ve never felt brave. I felt wrecked boarding the plane for Africa. I felt lonely at times surrounded by people so unfamiliar to me. I felt unsuitable at the chalkboard leading lessons. I felt self conscious during my walk to and from school when passers-by would point and shout “Mzungu! Mzungu!”
God has many names but my personal favorite is Emmanuel which means “God is with us” And he really is. Times when I feel uncertain or anything other than brave I remember that name and his promises in the Bible to never leave or forsake us. On the plane he was there. When I’d feel lonely and wake up early in the morning to spend time in his word he was there. At the chalkboard he was there. On my walks he was there. We are never alone and I find great comfort in that.
Bravery to me is all about choices. Choosing to trust God and believe that he is with you. Choosing to do things even when you’re terrified because you know he’s got you and is by your side. I am obedient and willing to do what God asks of me because he fills me with the courage to do so. “All glory for any bravery we exhibit goes straight to Jesus.” -Annie f. Downs
In the devotional “100 Days to Brave” the author talks about how powerful it is to put your brave on display. How “when you hear other stories, they sound like your story and you realize you are braver than you give yourself credit for. And we will cheer for each other and see courage in each other and we will all be braver for it.” I agree and think it’s important to share our stories of brave and acknowledge who it comes from. I think it’ll inspire others to be brave. And more than that, often to be obedient to God we have to have the courage to make brave choices. My hope is that in sharing this with you it sparks your bravery for God as well. Whatever shape that takes.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
