I’m Not Feeling Brave
This photo of a wary rabbit struck me this morning. As I adjust to living in an apartment, I feel kind of like a rabbit. Not brave. Watchful, wary, and alert all. the. time. It’s exhausting. How do rabbits survive without dying of exhaustion or fear?
My little dog, Dottie, is feeling the same way, I think. There are other dogs who live in this building. Some of them are like my Dottie; quiet and cautiously curious. Others are scary. They lunge, bark menacingly, or snarl at us. This makes venturing out of our apartment a little nerve-wracking. When you have a dog with a tiny bladder, we go outside a LOT!
Every outing feels like Russian Roulette. Will we get in and out without an unpleasant or scary encounter? Will we bump into that large German Shepard lunging out of the elevator? Will my across-the-hall neighbor open her door at the same time as me, with her I-don’t-like-other-dogs-unfriendly pooch? While walking in the neighborhood, will those two loose, defensive dogs chase us down or bite us?
God Enables Me To Be Brave
So, this leads me to think what a scaredy cat I am. Which reminds me that God wants me to be brave, not fearful. In many places in the Bible, we are encouraged to be brave.
… Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
I’m not a naturally brave person. I feel more like a timid rabbit, who survives by hiding. But today, I will meditate on these words: God will be with me wherever I go. As I remind myself that I am not alone, God will help me be brave.
A Song About Love & Bravery
Of course, thinking about bravery reminded me of this song “You Make Me Brave”
“You Make Me Brave”
I stand before You now
The greatness of your renown
I have heard of the majesty and wonder of you
King of Heaven, in humility, I bow
As Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us
You are not against us
Champion of Heaven
You made a way for all to enter in
I have heard You calling my name
I have heard the song of love that You sing
So I will let You draw me out beyond the shore
Into Your grace
Your grace
As Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us
You are not against us
Champion of Heaven
You made a way for all to enter
To Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us
You are not against us
Champion of Heaven
You made a way for all to enter in
Cause You make me brave
You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves
You make me brave
You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the love that made a way
You make me brave
You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves
Cause You make me brave
You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the promises you made
Because Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us
You are not against us
Champion of Heaven
You made a way…
Because Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us
You are not against us
Champion of Heaven
You made a way
Champion of Heaven
You made a way for all to enter in
What Helps You Be Brave?
Finally, what about you? Do you need some bravery in your life? What or who inspires you to be brave?
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Great post Kathy, and this song is one of my favorites! I’m sure you’ll get used to navigating the new challenges and before long, you won’t even have to think about it. In the meantime, it’s wonderful that you remember God is with you as you go about your day.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Terri.