I am working through a journal a friend of mine gave me for Christmas; it’s entitled, 100 days to brave by Annie F. Downs. I’ve never thought of myself as brave nor have I thought of myself as a coward. “Just a guy trying to make my way through the universe”, with Jesus as my guide instead of the “force”.

I thought I would use my blog to document my journey toward being brave or whatever comes out of these next 100 days. Hopefully, I don’t find the cowardly lion along the way or realize I don’t have a brain or a heart. Each journal entry includes a bible verse and a question to be answered. There might be times when I share my answers to the daily questions or spend some time reflecting on the Bible verse.

My prayer is that you’ll follow along on this journey with me, and find encouragement, wisdom and bravery as well. May the force be with you; we’re off to encounter the Spirit together. Follow the yellow brick road!

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)… For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Why do you want to be brave?

I am not sure I want to be brave… I just don’t want to live in fear of anything or anyone or of the future. I don’t want to leave any regrets on the table or pass on things I can accomplish as my faith in Jesus directs me to do so. I want to try new things, take new paths, discover hidden talents, get better at skills I already possess. I want to meet people who “push me” to be all I can be; befriend me for who I am and not what I can give to them. I want to leave my mark on this world and introduce as many people as I can to the real Jesus; my friend, the proclaimer of “good news”. I want to be a better husband, father, grandfather and friend.

While on this journey, if I find courage and bravery, then I pray I will lean into both and embrace the effects that each quality trait has on my life. I am making changes in my life; fear can not over take me at this point in my life.

Now is the time to be brave!