I’ve always seen bravery as some monumental, far-reaching, lofty goal. Please let me assure you how mistaken I’ve been on that thought. Let’s talk about how we can see the brave moments that sneak into our everyday life.
I recently read a beautiful and much needed 31-day devotional on Brave Faith from my dear friend, Mary Geisen. Her book brought me to this newfound realization of how brave I’ve actually been all along.
Day 10 of the devotional tells the story of Holly Barrett who describes seasons of waiting as “brave in the staying.” I absolutely love this. So often we see bravery as something that is done—a big, exciting, take giant steps kind of task.
Those times and efforts can definitely portray bravery. But sometimes staying exactly where we are requires us to be more brave than any leap forward would ever possibly need.
Holly goes on to share: “Sometimes brave is staying right where you are, even though it’s not where you want to be. But for whatever His purposes are, God has called you to be still.”
I’ve been through this many times in my life. I start a big project and am ready to pounce, moving forward at record speed. Yet I suddenly hear that still small voice telling me to be still.
I must admit this makes me crazy. I love the thought of adventure with Him and seeing where His plans will take me. However, when I don’t take the time to listen, I always end up doing things my way. That rarely ends well…
I couldn’t agree more with this thought from Mary:
“God assures us that just because we are not leaping forward into adventure with Him, we are doing important work.”
There is so much truth in that statement. Mothering. Going to work. Cooking yet another meal for our families. Getting down on the ground to play the 1 millionth game of Candy Land. This is kingdom work too.
For those of us who struggle with issues like depression and anxiety, these tasks can take the kind of strength and bravery only God can provide. He allows me to get out of bed every morning even when sometimes I truly just want to pull the covers over my head. I’m forever grateful to Mary for helping me see the act of getting up and carrying out my responsibilities when I really don’t want to as my very own incredibly brave act.
Knowing that staying still in this moment does not mean we are stuck, is a beautiful reminder to allow God to grow our brave faith right where we are.
~Mary Geisen, Brave Faith
No matter where you are today, know that You Are Brave. Spend some time in stillness allowing God to grow your brave faith a little more every day. We are not stuck. God may have us stay where we are for reasons far greater than we could possibly understand.
I want to close by sharing one of Mary’s wonderful exercises from her book. Day 15: Walking in brave faith does not always mean bigger and better than what others are doing around you. Name 3 things you have done today that are brave. (We would love to hear your answers in the comments!)
On the day I worked on that section my 3 were: getting out of bed today, calling an old friend to share essential oils with, and starting my day with this book, Brave Faith. Three simple tasks that truly took brave faith for me. I allowed myself a much needed feeling of accomplishment for each of those thanks to Mary’s words.
Learn more about Mary’s devotional, Brave Faith: A 31 Day Devotional Journey, here. The book covers far more than just being brave in life’s many waiting seasons. That is where I am right now which is why my focus here is on those sections. Pick up your copy today and start your own journey to Brave Faith.
This feels very timely for me. I feel like I’m surrounded by people who are moving at breakneck speed – personally and professionally – and yet, while I’m equally determined and driven, I just can’t move that fast right now. Wonder if this is my being brave in stillness? Visiting from Happy Now party.
I’m really trying not to look around at others right now, Victoria. I completely understand that struggle. I agree that it may be time for your brave stillness :). Thanks for stopping by!
Beautifully written Candace. Thank you for sharing.This a profound post for me. Being still is such a difficult task for myself. I am learning to trust my Savior instead of running ahead of His will. I needed to read this today. Such great affirmation. I hope all is well with you, friend. Have a fantastic week and may God bless you and yours
I’m so glad this served you today, Horace. Peace in the stillness has been a long, hard lesson for me as well. Blessings to you, my friend!
I love this reminder that being brave looks different in different situations. That is so true that sometimes it means doing nothing when our instinct is to speak up or take action. Also that it is different for each of us- I think for all of us there are certain things that others might find easy but for us take a lot of courage and it is important to recognise that. Thanks for sharing about this book. I enjoy reading Mary’s blog and I’d definitely like to read it.
I so agree with you that our instinct seems to be to take action, Lesley. It’s been a difficult shift for me, but it’s bringing so much unexpected peace for me to learn to just be still. I hope you get a chance to read Mary’s book. It’s wonderful!
I still have this book on my Amazon wishlist, Candace. It sounds like a great read. Thank you for sharing some of Mary’s insight. It never occurred to me that staying still is also brave. I thought of brave more as stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a risk. Thank you for sharing this encouragement, my friend! Love and hugs to you!
That’s how I always saw brave too, Trudy. This has been a very relieving lesson. Love and hugs to you, my friend!
Another brilliant post my friend. Staying still is not something I excel at. I need to do better. Thanks for the sweet reminder.
Thank you, Jen! Stillness is not something I’m much of a pro at either ;). We can do this, friend.
Candace, I’m so happy that we share a book in common! I loved Mary’s thoughts, and your post title hit on one of my favorite aspects of Mary’s book. So often I think of brave faith as passport and pith helmet material when the truth is, it may mean staying put and soldiering through a challenge right on our home base.
Blessings to you!
There were so many important parts of this book, but that is definitely the section that hit home with me the most. I love your words here, Michele: “it may mean staying put and soldiering through a challenge right on our home base.” Those can be some of the biggest challenges we will ever face. Blessings to you as well!
I just came from Mary’s place where she was sharing Holly’s story. Your post is icing on the cake, friend. So much raw and wise truth springs from your words and I’m always so happy when I see your name pop up on my screen again.
You continue to show us what courage looks like. I’m grateful that our paths continue to cross.
Blessings to you today, Candace …
I’m so grateful for you as well, Linda. It’s always a pleasure to see you :). Blessings to you as well, my friend.
What wonderful truths God reveals when we listen!
It’s truly amazing when we take the time to listen, Sarah. This has been a long, hard lesson for me ;).
Thank you sweet friend for diving into my book. God is so god to give you what you need right when you need it. You show bravery even when you don’t believe you are. I am honored by your review. Love you!
It was a wonderful book to dive into, Mary. I’m sure I will go back through it many times :). Love you too, my friend!
Candace,
Yes, such wisdom that Mary shares in her book. This is so true: ” I’m forever grateful to Mary for helping me see the act of getting up and carrying out my responsibilities when I really don’t want to as my very own incredibly brave act.” I have battled depression and anxiety so I get it. Blessings to you 🙂
Depression and anxiety can stop life in its tracks, Dolly. I’m sorry you have dealt with these struggles too. They are so overwhelming. It’s nice to finally understand the bravery of getting out of bed on some days. Blessings to you!
Love your new take on what being brave can mean Thanks for expressing it so well.
Thanks so much, Pat. It has been quite freeing :). I hope it serves you as well.
This post speaks volumes to me as I am 28 weeks pregnant and on bed rest so I don’t deliver my first son, before 38 weeks–that is our prayer. And to say it is hard to do NOTHING is an understatement. But I know that is bravery that will keep me still for the baby in this trying time. Even with staying still I’ve had contractions 4 times in one week. Brave Faith will see me through! Thank you for your post and mentioning the book.
Praying for you and your precious baby, Elizabeth! You are definitely in the midst of a great deal of brave faith. I can’t even imagine what you are going through right now. But I know He will see you through. Just be still :).
This gave me goosebumps. EXACTLY what I needed to hear today. THANK YOU (stopping by from the linkup)
“Sometimes brave is staying right where you are, even though it’s not where you want to be. But for whatever His purposes are, God has called you to be still.”
Thanks for stopping by, Rebecca. I’m so glad you heard what you needed. I love when we are led to the right place at the exact right time :).
Oh wow Candace, this really spoke to me. SO many times I squirm in that stillness, feeling stuck- anxious about doing the next thing, taking those leaps, being PRODUCTIVE and PURPOSEFUL. I absolutely love the idea that obeying God’s call to be still can be brave. And in that stirring, that feeling of stuck-ness- trusting that this place is exactly where God wants us to be- There is purpose in this place. I always assure myself that God is equipping me for something ahead, or perhaps He is teaching me that what I DO doesn’t always translate as Kingdom work, but that each moment I seek His Presence does.
Sharing this amazing Devotional review on my page. It is SO needed for us anxious busy women of God!
Amen, Chris. I love your words here. I’m definitely a stillness squirmer too, my friend. But as you so beautifully stated, “There is purpose in this place.” Thanks for sharing!
Love this so much!
Thank you, Akaleistar! It’s been a wonderful lesson for me to arrive at :).
Hubby and I just recently made a trip to visit family. They were all running around doing this and that, staying on their phones. No communication. Hardly any words were spoken between the families. It was so sad to see this. After we left and had been in the car for awhile, we both said almost at the same time, I’m so glad I live a much more faith filled slow paced life!!
That must have been a sad sight, Tammy. Slowing down has been one of my favorite things about aging. We really learn that the busyness is not worth it. Savoring life is so much more rewarding :).