Feeling Brave?

Verse of the Day:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-11

When do you feel the Brave? This question was posed on the Wordpess Daily Post by Scott Berkun. When I saw this question I thought I don’t know if I ever “feel” brave. I have often been told that I am brave or that I have been brave but I don’t know if in a moment I have ever “felt” brave. Have you?

For many people who battle an illness or face any type of adversity brave is not a feeling. You are sometimes faced with no other option than to be brave. In my case, as an adult who has grown up with an illness I did the only thing I knew how to do. I just kept going forward. There were days when moving forward was very easy. I felt great and nothing was significantly wrong with my health other than the obvious. But there were other days when I was facing open heart surgery for the third time or when I was cleaning out the softball size hole in my chest from a staph infection. Those days were some of my worst. And those were the days where I was my bravest. During that time however I felt like I was in a black hole and I would never see light again. Brave was not what I was feeling at all, not even a little. Some days I was on my knees begging for mercy.

Yet in those moments looking back, I know now that I am stronger mentally and physically because I kept pushing forward. My inner Wonder Woman came out. And that is what brave feels like to me I suppose. Facing your darkest fears and then punching them square in the jaw.

“Onward Christian Solider” is a phase from a Precious Moments Bible that I got when I was a little girl. It is a phrase that I remember ever time I need to summon up a little courage. Because for me, my bravery and courage comes from above. Always has, always will. A solider is the picture of bravery. We all need to picture ourselves as a stronger “us” when we are at our weakest. So I use this, or Wonder Woman! She is beautiful and kicks butt and sometimes you just need to tell yourself I am as strong Wonder Woman! I am Wonder Woman! Do you picture yourself as a superhero or a soldier when you need a little extra dose of courage?

Courage comes in all faces and places. I have a step-brother in Afghanistan who in my opinion is brave everyday with every other soldier who is fighting for this country. He (they) see things and face things that we as Americans can’t imagine. Yet he leaves his family to risk his life so that I have the freedom to write this blog and spend Christmas with my family and receive the medical care I really need to be alive. These guys are brave everyday. The have courage for breakfast, I think. Thanks Ricky! I love ya! And thanks to all the troops home and away, your bravery is astounding!

Bravery lies in all of us. It is that still small voice telling us to go for it. You can do it! The whisper in your ear of one more time, one more step, one more mile. It is the best part of us pushing us to face our fears, challenge our weaknesses and to battle our greatest enemies. I encourage you to find the places in your life where you have been brave or felt brave. If you are in a place now where you are battling then I say to you – Onward and Upward – It will get better eventually, even on your worse days know there is always a light ahead! I promise! Just keep pushing forward Brave One!

And if your ever need a little help I am always happy to lend a hand, a hug, a whisper or a sharp upper cut! 😉