Bravery Doesn't Always Roar

Can you think of a time when you were brave growing up or in your adult life? Or when you were in an uncomfortable situation where you had to help or defend someone? I bet you can think of numerous times over the years, will you be brave and share your story? I hope so! By sharing our stories we can help others gain new perspectives of their own. I hope you will sign up for this website and share your story with us!

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Psalm 31:24

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Several different situations come to mind when I think about family & friends who have shown bravery, but one particular moment that stands out for me is when my dad was dying from lung cancer. Towards the end it was difficult for him to do anything so he would ask me to read his morning devotion to him. The messages always touched my heart and I found myself struggling to hold back the tears. I needed to be brave for my dad and knew my tears would not have helped him, so as I read the devotions I kept reminding myself "be strong because this is what dad needs."

He taught me what bravery looks like when you are facing death. Not only in the way he never complained about his pain which surprised his nurses. But in the way he chose to be more concerned about us girls and us taking care of mom.

Despite his pain he still laughed with my sisters & I. Dad had no fear of death, he knew where he was going and that he would be with Jesus. In fact, he would remind me that he would be with our son Nathan sitting on a cloud watching us here in California. As you can imagine, I do not look at clouds the same anymore as they hold a special place in my heart when I see them!

Friends sometimes our bravery is not seen by others, nor does it roar. You find it the moments when we share a difficult journey with our loved ones and sometimes you will see it in the quiet moments when our tears fall and we decide to pick ourselves back up and start over again.

We need to brave and have faith like the woman in Mark 5:25-34 vs 28 because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." vs 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

As my dad would say "why complain, it doesn't change your circumstances." Friends how true this is, instead of complaining about your situation, BE BRAVE! Everyday before you get out of bed, list 5 things you are grateful for and ask God to give you his strength for this new day and put on the armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-18

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime