When I first saw the theme for this Lenten blog, I thought it was a tough assignment. I don’t think of myself as a particularly courageous person. To me, “brave” describes first responders who rush toward danger; I’m embarrassed to say I don’t even like rushing toward discomfort.
However, as I reflected on my own journey, I realized that courage takes many forms. It took courage to accept my first job in television news and move across the country to Fresno, California, where I didn’t know a single person. It took courage to keep going when my mother died suddenly, shortly after my grandmother had passed away. It took courage to give my first love a second chance and help raise his three young boys.
These are just a few chapters of my story, but there are countless ways we choose to be brave every day. Sometimes, courage is simply reminding myself to see every person as a child of God, regardless of my personal feelings.
Ultimately, courage requires trust. Think of a toddler learning to walk. They take those first, unsteady steps because they trust the person waiting to catch them. Every step I have taken big or small has been possible only because I trust that God will catch me when I stumble. Sadly, I can also look back and see steps I didn’t take because I didn’t trust Him enough.
How about you? Are there steps you are hesitating to take? This Lent, I am praying God increase our trust. I’ve seen that when I step out in faith, God’s blessings are waiting on the other side. Whether it was the “yes” that led to my career or the “yes” that brought me a family and an adventurous life traveling the world, God has been faithful.
We have explored 18 countries in the decade we have been together. As I write this from Dubai after spending a few days in Marrakech, I’m reminded that our world becomes much wider when we stop letting fear dictate our radius. My steps still feel unsteady at times, but I am learning to trust the One who leads the way.
May that be so for each of us this Lenten season and beyond.
Reflection Questions:
- Is there an area of your life where fear has started to shrink your world? What is one small step you could take this week to expand it?
- Looking back, can you identify a “yes” that felt scary at the time but eventually led to a blessing?
- If you knew for certain that God was standing there to catch you, what “unsteady step” would you take today?
Here are a couple of my favorite Scriptures that give me a boost when I’m not feeling very brave:
And a couple of my favorite songs:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” — Psalm 32:8
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” — Luke 12:6–7
Shared by Patricia Wu
Sending prayers to Patricia and to so many others based in the Middle East. We may not know the people who are affected, but we can all pray for peace.
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