10/17/24Somewhere on the road11 months to the day from our first steps onto the Road to Brave Every so often, when we’re willing to slow down enough to notice, we get glimpses. Sunsets, babies, leaves in the breeze. Wrinkled hands gripping yours, clouded eyes filled with peace, embraces holding tight. Glimpses of pure hope. Glimpses … More In the End
Have you ever read a blog post that was almost entirely questions? No? Well, me neither, but here you go. New experiences all around. So many of these posts are drawn out of personal experiences on this road to becoming a slightly braver, more courageous me. When I originally jotted down this thought — what … More Brave Enough to Love
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus — just to take Him at His wordJust to rest upon His promise — just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.” Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’erJesus, Jesus, precious Jesus — oh, for grace to trust Him more.~ Louisa Stead “Well, I … More Brave Enough to Trust
The mist rolled in almost without warning, drifting in waves up over the hills and across the road. From my vantage point on a jutting overlook, I cuddled a little deeper into my sweatshirt and marveled at the beauty. I can’t believe it came in so fast, I thought. One second it’s sunny and blue, … More Brave Enough to Change
There are many things young adults are good at, culturally speaking, in today’s day and age. Unfortunately, hope is not one of those things. In fact, given our rates of depression, overwhelming anxiety, and death by hopelessness, it’s probably arguable that recent generations’ struggle with hope is one of the things we’re worst at. And … More Brave Enough to Hope
“That is such a great decision for them. I’m just really proud.” …I said. Have you said? I think we’ve all said, at some point or another. Usually referring to something admirable in the life of a friend or family member—something like faithfully working out, attending a Bible study, journaling regularly, or starting a small … More Brave Enough to Heal
“Love is easy.”Simple, yes. But easy—how soft and kind the lieThat lets us hide the pain insideAnd choose an easier path—one that holdsThe kindest side of love aloft, and hidesThe broken, wounded, hurting sideThat speaks of joy, but not the sorrowsWe bear for those we chose to love. I scribbled on a scrap of paper … More Brave Enough to Hurt
“I wasn’t afraid to jump or to swim or to feel the sudden coolness of the water. I was afraid of change. On the dock I was warm and dry and in control. I knew once I jumped I’d be fine, I’d enjoy swimming around. But it was still a change. I thought about Betsy…I … More Brave Enough to Jump
Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously. ~ Francis of Assisi Trustfully and restfully are two words I deeply, deeply want to describe me…but if … More Brave Enough to Wait
“Well, it’s been a growing year, hasn’t it?” I don’t know about you, but I and my family have said that several times, and I have essentially NEVER enjoyed saying it. When we look back and see all the ways that we’ve matured or developed over a given timeframe, it’s often (not always, but often) … More Brave Enough to Grow
The Road to Brave 