Friends – we are almost finished with our 31 day journey to brave faith. Tomorrow signals the end of our time studying brave. But really is it over? Brave is a lifelong process of discovering, unfolding, stepping out and grabbing hold of the next step God has laid out for us. Brave does not end in 31 days.
Today let’s take a peek into our own hearts and dream big. Let’s leap across the rocks marking the rugged path across the water. Be brave and say your dream out loud to a friend, family member or even your pet! What is your call to courage?
After reading the book, Restless by Jennie Allen, I discovered my gifts and how they meshed with the threads of my life. These threads when studied as a whole can reveal more about who you are and what areas you are gifted in as well as passionate about. Studying who I am by looking back as well as looking forward, helped me to understand what has always been a passion of mine as well as how I developed or did not develop these passions over the years. My threads created a pattern that help me to understand how I can use my gifts currently to honor God. I still ask “what is my call to courage?” and spend time listening for answers from God. The blessing is that I know who I am in a deeper way and bravely seek God in the answers.
God calls us to courage. He plans beautiful things for our lives and then looks for a “yes” from us when He comes calling. God loves when we dream big and seek ways to build His kingdom. This is brave! He desires to align our dreams with His plan. Remember we are learning to stay still but not stuck. Listen well, heed God’s voice, dream courageously and let the rest bloom where it is planted.
[Tweet “Courage doesn’t equal right; courage equals stepping out and trying. @anniefdowns #bravefaith”]
There is no right or wrong when it comes to being brave. Sometimes a “yes” is our brave answer but other times saying “no” is the bravest thing we can do. Annie Downs writes about this in Let’s All Be Brave. If you have been following this series you know the impact this book has had on me. We are not going to get courage right all the time. The bottom line is to step out of the boat. Let God take care of the rest. I will leave you with these words from Annie Downs.
Stepping out in courage!
Mary
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There’s so much to think about here. Last year’s MOPS theme was “Be You, Bravely” — but what caught my attention most, I think, was the question “What is your call to courage?” Because so often we try to be brave about what WE want instead of trying to discern how God wants us to use our courage. It’s so much more important to be brave WITH Him than on our own!
Amen, my friend! We are brave when we choose God and let Him lead the way. When we give up our agenda and put God first, He will lead us to our what’s next. Each step is one step closer to brave faith when God is our guide. I am thankful that you stopped by and shared your own wise words.
I really like that last quote box. It does take courage to say NO. And, I’m glad you didn’t try to bring bacon into it. 😉
Ha ha about the bacon. I could hardly keep up with my own posts that I was not even going to attempt #FMF prompts too. Yes, Annie has some good words in Let’s All Be Brave. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it.
Amen! I loved both of those books, too! (Let’s All Be Brave by Annie, and Restless by Jennie!) SO good! Great post… great series, my friend!
Well here we are Karrilee at the end of 31 days but so much wiser because of it. I have read so many books in the last few years that have made an impact on me and these are two of the top ones. I keep adding to the list but we are blessed by so many gifted authors. I loved seeing your beautiful face show up here over the course of the series. Thank you for blessing me.
I’ll definitely check out that book! I love thinking, reading about and mulling over the issue of calling, so this sounds right up my alley. Thanks so much for writing and seeing this challenge through–you have been a blessing to many!
You bless me just by being here. Brave is part of who I am and who God is teaching me to be. I am sure that this topic will not just end because the series has ended. Thank you for your encouragement and for joining in the conversation.
For awhile now, I feel like God is calling me to brave by adopting or being a foster mom. I am praying for the courage to take that first step if that is indeed what God is calling me too. Your post makes me think of the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz.
We can learn a lot from the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz. His song about courage is a classic. I love your call to courage and you would be a fabulous mom. I will be praying for you as you continue to bring your dreams before God and ask Him to guide you. Hugs dear friend!
thanks to you, Mary, I’m taking brave with me past October. thanks for showing me what it looks like, for living it out as well as writing it.
we made it, girl. we made it!!
i hope your weekend is filled with all your favorite things … and maybe a little nap, too?
hugs.
Yippee, we made it! I couldn’t have asked for a better friend to join me for the journey. You made me smile every time you showed up and of course it was nice knowing we were in this together. Thank you for being brave with me and I am hoping to take some time for me this weekend or in the near future. Love you friend!