Living Brave

If you were to ask my kids if they think I’m brave, I’m pretty sure they’d say yes. After all, they’ve seen me singlehandedly chase a wasp out of the house, fearlessly check the closet for monsters at night, and rush to turn the stove off when the water’s boiling over. They’ve seen me get stitches after I cut my thumb slicing bread, and they’ve seen me get a shot with a smile on my face.

To my seven and nine year old, I’m probably one brave woman.

However.

There’s a lot that my kids don’t see. A lot that they don’t hear.

Like my heart beating fast when I’m sitting next to them on a ski lift, watching them lean over the bar and dangle their feet.

Like the way I still check on them in the middle of the night if I wake up, just to make sure they’re okay.

And like the silent prayers I whisper over them as they leave for school in the morning, hoping that nothing bad happens to them. Ever.

I may come across as brave to my kids, but I admit, there’s plenty I’m fearful of. All it takes is a few minutes of watching the news to remember that there are many things in this world to be scared of. And, especially as a mom, it can be easy to let those fears turn to worry.

Which is why I love the peace that God gives. And why I love being reminded that fear is not what He wants for me.

“I have not given you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and of love.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Nichole Nordeman says in her song, Brave, “fear ties me down to everything.” And that’s such an accurate picture of what fear can do – bind us, hold us back, and tie us down. But she also describes how love can “cut the strings”.

And it really can.

Even if fear or worry ties you down at times, God’s love can give freedom. And He tells us how:

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life… But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:25-34).

If we take our focus off our fears and put it on God–if we seek Him first–He can take our worries away. And He doesn’t leave us to do it alone, either:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13

Through Christ, through the awesome power of Jesus, we can know true peace. Peace that comes from knowing He’s got our lives, and our kids’ lives, in His hands. Peace that comes from knowing He can work out all things for good. Peace that comes from knowing He loves us and has a plan for us.

So soak in that peace and give your fears to God. Whether you have small worries or huge anxieties, let them go.

Let God cut those strings.

And let Him help you live brave.

5 Responses to Living Brave
  1. Tracie
    January 23, 2009 | 5:53 pm

    What a beautiful post. I need to save this one in my favorites and reread it each day. When I was growing up, I was so annoyed by how over protective my Mom was. Now, I understand her paronoia and I am super-over protective. I have to tell my self everyday that God will protect my son (and all of us).

    Thank you for the remind to turn it over to him.

  2. […] Living Brave : Faith Lifts […]

  3. Susan (5minutesformom)
    January 24, 2009 | 8:11 pm

    Fear is my biggest problem in my life and I need constant reminders. Thank you!

  4. Carol
    January 25, 2009 | 1:31 am

    Great one, Genny. One we could all relate to!

  5. Anke
    January 26, 2009 | 4:57 am

    Hi there Genny. Your words are so lovely and full of light, thank you for all your encouragement. Your gift, like you, truly shines!