Day 4 of 100 days to Brave…
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. I am using my blog to document my journey toward being brave or whatever comes out of these next 100 days. My prayer is that you’ll follow along on this journey with me, and find encouragement, wisdom and bravery as well.
Acts 4:13 (CEV)… “The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus.”
I love this verse because of that phrase, “ordinary men” and that those who met these undeducted guys were “certain they had been with Jesus”. I want to be guilty of that fact. Just an ordinary guy (“trying to make my way through the universe”) with some letters behind my name for the hard work I’ve put in, but not what I want to be known for… I want people when they meet me to be certain that I’ve seen Jesus and spent time with Him.
Question: is there a book, movie, song or quote that makes you feel brave? Why does it make you feel that way?
“Music has always had a powerful impact in my life. It has pumped up my courage, calmed my nerves, brought truth into my life, encouraged me and moved me to tears. Not one song or album has given me more bravery than any other, although the Christian band “Vector” has spoken boldly into my life over the years!
Two books that have impacted me greatly in my walk of faith with Jesus and given me wisdom and courage to follow are, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. A devotional that has greatly impacted my life is, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.
As a kid, the movie Star Wars made me brave in some strange way. I was willing to fight off the evil galactic empire with the Force at my disposal; I was ready to conquer the universe for good!
Bravery has blossomed in my life over the years since I have taken the time to discover who I am and who God has created me to be… I have found confidence in my weaknesses and strengths, but I am still a work in progress. Bravery is something to be discovered and uncovered over and over again; not to be conquered or taken for granted. And so I press on to the next moment in my life; the next encounter; the next relationship for a chance to exhibit bravery!"
May your day be filled with moments of bravery!