Step 1: Be Brave

         Bravery at it's best right here.

Y'all. I'm a wimp. A rule follower. And an over thinker at best. No where inside of me is brave. I'm sheepish when it comes to new things and I've really got to test the waters before I deem something good to go. 

But Jesus. Now there is a man who is brave. Daniel. Another brave soul. This list goes on and on. And that list? Those people and their stories? You people and your stories? Well I believe that's where I get my courage from. 

I couldn't tell you the songs that played on shuffle tonight. I couldn't tell you if anyone I knew came into Jo's. I couldn't tell you if people noticed my laughing at a book. And I couldn't tell you if these inside jitters are from the coffe or the words printed on the pages in front of me. All I know is that I feel brave. And I'm talking the kind of brave that makes you do crazy God things. 

I've come to realize that a lot of life's decisions are less about right versus wrong but instead are more about you willing to do the brave thing. And I think when we have people around us who speak life into us.. Well shoot that's permission enough to be brave.

I know for a lot of people the bravest thing they can do right now is pick up their life and move to a new place. And boy does it seem like a lifetime ago that I was in their shoes (only because so much has changed since then). Yet, my heart goes out to those friends of mine. I know the pain that comes with goodbyes and the heartache that is felt when you eat your very first meal without your parents and the anxiety of trying to get to class on time when you have no idea where to go. 

So this is mostly for my friends about to start a new journey, a new adventure. I just want to give them permission to be brave.

Hey friend, everything is going to be fine. You're going to do great. Just take a breath and remember who God is and in the midst of this chaos, He is still constant. Cry if you must. Miss home. Be sad. You are free to feel. then remember everyone that came before you. And be brave. Do the brave thing. Talk to someone new. Try something you've always wanted to. You are free to be new. Be you. Be brave. Everything will be okay. You. Can. Do. This. 

I hope you find some courage here today and you set others free with it too.

em