“Do one thing everyday that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Have you ever jumped off a high spot into water? At some point in the beginning, your mind catches up to the absurdity that your body is about to commit and, in milliseconds, erects an invisible wall at the edge of the cliff. The fear builds brick by brick, and the shimmering water below is now as unreachable as a fading dream.
That wall of fear appears wherever it can — before asking a difficult question, before a big test, before starting a new job, before moving to an unfamiliar place, before standing up for what is right in difficult circumstances, before admitting that you were wrong, before sharing a vulnerability, before going after your dream. The risks are rejection, ridicule, failure, and in some circumstances, even loss of life and limb. But the gains? The gains could be downright magical – the cool, blue scent of strength, honor, and courage rising from your skin.
One of the most hopeful and challenging pieces of advice that I’ve ever heard is that courage can be exercised like a muscle. I think that’s why one of the bravest women in history told us to overcome our fears on the daily. Too many times have I stayed on this side of the wall of fear, but now it’s my mission to take the above advice to heart, and bulldoze that wall down. One day, I know I will be called to take great risks for something bigger than me, and I know I’ll have to be prepared. So while I’m still relatively young, I commit myself to this preparation.
THE ELEANOR PROJECT
I started a list of things that I’m scared of or that make me really uncomfortable, so I can get used to powering through them. I don’t yet have enough material for a daily project, but enough for me to tick items on my list off at least two or three times a week. I definitely welcome any ideas that anyone reading this might have.
Next year, God-willing, I will embark on an 11-month journey around the world – an idea that’s both nauseating and exciting. A lot of next year will be dedicated to plunging into both fear and discomfort in the name of loving God and my neighbor. It will be 11 months of learning how to trust God in all circumstances and, to put it bluntly, getting over myself. From what I’ve seen, getting over yourself is the best way to actually love and serve people. I’ve had the opportunity to experience that type of love and it’s life-changing. It has no ulterior motives and is just concerned for my well-being – a reflection of the love God has for me. To those that have loved me in that way – thank you. I want to be like you.
SUPPORTING ME ON THIS JOURNEY
At the moment, I’m in great need of prayer and financial support for my trip. If you’re down with my mission, I encourage you to click “Contact” on the left-hand side of my blog. I will add your email address to my mailing list containing all my prayer requests.
If you want to invest in my mission, the “Support” button is also on the left-hand side. Although my deadline of $7,500 by Dec. 18 seems like a lot, I’m confident we’ll get there.
Your prayers and your financial support will, simply put, help me kick ass in this world. They really will. They will empower me to set aside suffering and despair for joy and hope. So please, help me kick some ass.*
*The phrase “kick some ass” is not meant to be offensive, but I really feel it captures the essence of what I’m trying to say. It is a metaphorical ass that represents suffering and sin and is definitely not attached to an actual person. 🙂
