#webravewomen

I recently came across the hashtag #webravewomen on Instagram. If you haven't heard of it, We Brave Women is a project that was created in order to inspire women to be vulnerable with one another through personal stories and the fostering of community. This is accomplished by women answering the question "I am brave because ____" and encouraging other women to do the same. The website We Brave Women also shares stories of brave women throughout history.

I love this sort of thing. I think some of the best parts of being human are the ideas of vulnerability and connectedness. I also believe that, as women, we can be easily insecure and competitive with one another and that our best weapon against those feelings is celebrating with each other in the messiness of our humanity.

Here's what I think makes me brave. I am brave because when I found out that my husband and I were expecting our first child, I knew that it meant that I was going to have to close my small business. Being pregnant meant not being able to start my anxiety medication and setting aside my fears in order to be my best self for someone else. It meant admitting I couldn't do things on my own and that I was better near family. Bravery was picking up a seemingly comfortable life and moving twelve hours away even though I hate change. Being brave has required me to take risks and today I'm so grateful for those extra steps in faith.

Let's celebrate our bravery today.

Jesus, Beyonce, & Other Thoughts About Our World

I didn't grow up in church. My husband did. But even I know this song. 

"He's got the whole world in his hands he's got the whole wild world in his hands
He's got the whole wild world in his hands he's got the whole world in his hands"

Chances are you've heard it, too. There's a couple more verses, but I'm pretty sure you get the point. 

Ever since I started going to church, I've heard that truth. I've also heard a lot about the world we live in. Apparently it sucks. There's a lot of war, and people who hate Christians, and terrible entertainment choices, and if Beyonce makes even one more music video - Jesus himself is going to lose it.

I'm not denying all of these claims. There is war, there are people who don't like Christians, and there's even probably some questionable entertainment choices. But there's also beauty. There's mountains and waterfalls, and selfless people. There are even songs and movies that move and inspire people for the better.

Today, I'm choosing to hold on to the simple truth that He's still in control.  I'm choosing to shift my  focus on the incredible people we can be and the good we can do. I hope more of the church will join me. Or at least in the meantime, start singing that song again on Sundays. After all, He still has the whole world in his hands.

2014

I'm not sure what makes a new year feel so redemptive. Probably because it has a definitive beginning and end. It provides closure that is either welcomed or mourned. 2014 isn't a year i'm sad to see go. I've been waiting for sometime to have a definite close on the latest chapter of life. I started the year with plans and dreams that took the back burner for change and growth that was unwelcome, but needed. Today I'm thankful for closed doors and open hearts. I'm thankful that it's been almost 7 months since my last panic attack. I'm thankful for new life and the promises that come with it. And most of all, I'm grateful for His unfailing faithfulness.

If I wrote down my new year resolutions, it would look something like this.

 

2015, I'm so happy to see you.