I’ve never considered myself a brave person. I’m not one to bungee jump, and the best I’ve done on the ski slopes is the beginner’s run. (And with much trepidation at that!)
Stepping out and deciding to pursuing writing was one of my bravest steps. Writing about the deep pain and struggles in my life—in my fiction and non-fiction—has been the bravest.
Yet I’ve done other things that are brave. Here are a few:
- Adopting kids. John and I have adopted three kids in the last five years, and we’re in the process of adopting four more.
- Moving to Arkansas. We moved for a ministry position and found a new place to call home.
- Inviting my grandma to live with us. She’s lived primarily with our family since 1999. She’s a joy to have in our home.
But as a writer there are other brave things I do, too. These are small, daily choices:
- Putting aside my writing to take the kids on a nature walk, even though I have a pressing deadline.
- Babysitting my two young grandkids and playing with them in the backyard, even though I have a pressing deadline.
- Taking our kids to Disney on Ice, even though I have a pressing deadline.
- Spending a day at Magic Springs theme park, even though I have a pressing deadline.
As I write this, I’m five days away from that pressing deadline. (Prayers are appreciated!)
As I write this, I’m also considering what it means to be brave.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, being brave means:
- having or showing courage
- making a fine show : colorful
- excellent, splendid “Brave.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.
There are times in life where God asks us to take big steps, and we’re brave when we follow. There are also times when we make little choices because deep down we realize what’s most important in life. That’s bravery, too.
I’m still going to press on and attempt to finish this novel by my deadline, but I’m also thankful for the times I’ve “stepped away.” It’s in the stepping away that I’m refreshed and encouraged. And I know that at the end of my life I don’t want to have regrets. While I love to write and I adore creating stories, I never want to do it at the sake of those I love.
Love, after all, is the bravest thing of all.
How about you? When have you been brave lately?
Latest posts by Tricia Goyer (see all)
- Adoption in Fiction . . . and in Life - June 17, 2015
- In a cathedral in Europe my daughter said I DO! - June 3, 2015
- The Brave Writer - May 20, 2015
While driving on the highway after dark I passed a car off the road and seen where a deer had been hit. Thinking it could have been a friend I turned around and came back. It wasn’t my friend but I seen where the car had no lights and it was dark. I got out and found a lady walking in the grass away from the car. I put my hazard lights on and stayed with her until the police arrived.
I think that sitting down and starting a novel with an idea and a blank page is a brave act, Tricia. We have no idea if our months and months of work will bless our readers of be a waste of time.
I feel brave every time I step out in faith to do what God us calling me to do especially when it’s something hard – apologizing for an offense, quitting my job to be a stay at home mom, teaching homeschoolers that aren’t mine. Sometimes I don’t feel brave then, but God helps me to be brave!
I have a June 1 deadline, so I could so relate to this post, Tricia. God bless you! I’m praying for God’s power to sustain and equip you.
Great post, Tricia. Love is the bravest thing that we do. Hugs! (And yes, I’m off to work on our book when other things seem more fun!)
I love this post, Tricia, thank you for the great reminders. It is brave to start a novel, as Lynn mentioned, not knowing if it’s going to sink or swim. But my other brave thing that I try to do on a regular basis is to ask God if I’m still on the path He has for me. I have ten books published, but that doesn’t necessarily mean He has ten more for me to write. It’s hard for me to ask Him, Lord, do you still want me to write? But I really must. Writing is a consuming process, and though I love it, I only want to do it if He’s leading me to it. It takes courage to acknowledge He might have other plans for me.
Thank you so much for this post! It’s a really good reminder for me at this point in my life, when I’m just learning how to write well and keep making mistakes. God is asking us to step out in faith and do the important things, regardless of our perfection or non-perfection. Thanks again 🙂