Bravery means a variety of things to most of us. We often see bravery, strength, and courage go hand in hand when someone conquers a fear or does something that most would not do. Although many of our perspectives of bravery vary, I believe that we can all agree that being brave means going outside of your comfort zone; being vulnerable physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Being brave is something that takes strength that cannot be measured.
I started playing the violin when I was 4 years old. Being 19 right now…that is a long time, but even though I have all those years of experience under my belt, I still have stage-fright. Funny, right? Most of us experience the same with public speaking, not all of us have the gift of public speaking, and even though I have experience performing in front of others, public speaking still stinks. It is merely the act of putting yourself on a podium, quite literally, and saying what you feel or what you think with everyone there free to judge you.
Being brave means to be put outside your comfort zone. I read a book this week that was recommended to me by a close mentor of mine. It is called “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse.” Within the book the Boy asked the Horse, “What is the bravest thing you’ve done?” This is like one of those questions whenever someone asks you what your favorite movie is and then you forget all the movies you’ve ever watched. Much like your answer for the movie, you answer with what the bravest thing you’ve done defines what your standards are for bravery is, what you struggle with, and where your comfort zone lies.
So I asked around to see what other people thought the bravest thing they have done was. Some people said it was moving to college, branching themselves off from their family and becoming independent. This says a lot about their family life, how they grew up and where they find comfort. Others said getting out of relationships or finding new beginnings when endings are hard. The most important and hardest step as Kierkegaard would say is to take the leap, then figuring out the rest. For others it was going on a roller coaster for the first time, not knowing what would happen or how it would feel. Bravery is found in many places but it all starts with vulnerability.
Vulnerability is something hard to come by. I personally struggle with being vulnerable with the right people, and as time has gone by I have built up my own trust issues and become more reserved here and there. It is hard to step outside your comfort zone and share with someone who you are, or the experiences that has shaped you, but if it is with the right person they will, or should, show you love and kindness, much like our Father in heaven.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling… “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth!”” – Psalm 46;1-3;10
When trials come, when we are asked to step out of our comfort zone and be brave, even if it is the smallest or biggest of things, we must look to our source of strength. Being brave is a result of something that causes stress or worry, that is why being brave is so chivalrous. Because it is a result of anxiety and worry, we are called to still cast our worries and anxieties unto God, our refuge and our shield. We must push aside our pride and our doubts in order to fully become dependent on the never changing rock.
Jesus did the bravest thing known to mankind, and that was to die for them. Jesus was anxious to the point where he sweat blood and even though He was closer to the Father than any one of us, He still cried out and asked God to be His refuge and shield. He became vulnerable and asked for help from the author and founder of our faith.
“When I asked for help”. That was the Horse’s response to the Boy. Being brave never means doing things alone because we are never alone. Being brave means seeking the God who gives you strength and striving with confidence knowing that God is with you to the end.
What was the bravest thing you have done?
What makes you feel out of your comfort zone?
How can you be more vulnerable or brave?
“When were you at your strongest?”-The Boy
“When I dared to show my weakness”-The Horse
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