Learning to be brave

Austin Marathon 2020

Life gives us plenty of things to be afraid of, but where there is fear, there is an opportunity to be brave!

When we think of being brave, we often think of big bold acts of courage, like things that our first responders or active military do on a regular basis.  We picture firefighters running into burning buildings as most people are running out.  We think of soldiers defending our country.  We think of police officers taking a bullet for his fellow man.  We picture dramatic rescues, crazy escapes, and bold moves.  And yes, these men and women are brave, and I am thankful for their courage every single day.  They have my upmost respect and appreciation for what they do.

But acts of everyday courage are all around us.  Every single one of us can think of examples of when we have had to be brave.  Any time we step into discomfort, we are being brave.  Every choice we make requires us to decide if we want to step back or step up.  When we choose to step up, face our fears, do something difficult, and learn through failure or disappointment, we are being brave.  When we choose to be strong, speak up, try something new, put ourselves out there, or pursue things that are challenging and might result in failing, we are acting out of courage.

The Bible is filled with scripture instructing us to be strong and courageous.  1 Corinthians 16:13 says "Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."  The greatest act of bravery was the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us when He acted out of obedience, dying on the cross for the sins of the world.  He was put to death physically but made alive spiritually in all of us who decide to trust in Him.  The Holy Spirit guides us and directs our path, encouraging us to be strong and brave and be uncomfortable.

Through our discomfort, we grow the most.  And as we grow, we bloom.

Don't just be brave for yourself, but be brave for others.  Show your kids what it means to have courage and be brave.  Be an example.  Give them something great to imitate!

I grew up with lots of anxiety and lots of fears, but I am slowly learning to be a braver, more confident version of myself.  Since turning 40 last month, I have experienced incredible highs, but also some things that would have historically caused fear, but I don't feel it, because of who I have become in the last year.  I wrote and published my first book exposing all sorts of vulnerability, I ran my 3rd marathon with my girls cheering me along every painful step of the way, all while waiting to find out if this spot they found on my very 1st mammogram is anything to worry about.  The day after I turned 40 last month (lucky me!), I had my first screening mammogram, totally expecting to have normal results.  But the following week, I received a phone call with results that no-one wants to hear.  My mammogram was abnormal, and they needed more images.  I went back the following week for more images as well as an ultrasound, only to find out that it still looked concerning.  This week I went back for an aspiration that did not produce the results they were hoping for, which led to a breast biopsy.  And now I wait.  I realize that most breast biopsies are normal, but I might be in the 20-30% that are not normal.  But you know what?  I am at peace with it.  During these last few weeks, I haven't been worried.  After all, this is out of my control.  We control what we can control, and the rest we give to God.  I pray that the results are benign, but I am strong enough and brave enough to fight whatever comes my way, and so are you!

I have watched others be a trailblazer when it comes to being brave, and I hope to be someone that is a trailblazer as well.  We all have opportunities to be brave and act with courage and kindness every single day.  As they did the biopsy this week, the doctor and ultrasound tech and I chatted throughout the procedure and as we got through the painful part, he commented that I did so well.  I laughed telling him that I had just ran a marathon a few days prior, so this was nothing!  Each time you choose to do something difficult, your perspective changes, your experience changes, your mindset changes.  Pretty soon, you realize that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Phil 4:13).  I'm so glad I published my book and ran my marathon this month.  Those 2 big things gave me joy while preparing my mind for something bigger.

Be brave my friends.  Have courage to share your story.  Write the book.  Run for city council.  Go back to school.  Sign up for the 5K.  Apply for the job.  Ask him or her on the date.  Fly on the airplane.  Buy the house.  Do the procedure with peace in your mind and kindness in your heart.  Try out the church.  Start the business.  Pursue adoption.  Volunteer to speak.  Do those big hard things.  Gain strength.  Gain courage.  Gain perspective.  Gain momentum.  Keep going.  Keep pushing.  Keep trying and failing.  Keep growing.

Have a great week! ~ Allison