“Brave” was my word of the year, and as cool as it sounds, honestly, it terrified me.
It sounded to me like a signal to be on the offense — like I have always had in the past. I guess I was programmed to always be on the lookout, to stay where there is a sense of peace, of security, especially on things that mattered most to me.
I spent the last few days leading up to 2023 anxious and afraid, like it was my default setting. “What do you mean I need to face the new year brave? Just what level of bravery is required in this new season of my life? I am finally safe and happy and content — we have food on the table and a roof over our heads. Life is good.”
That was the disconnect.
I have mistaken anything outside of the “good life” to tip me out of balance, like there’s an undefined entity waiting to claw me, all the people I love, and all the things I have worked hard for away from me.
Fast forward to today when “brave” finally makes all sense. This year was a year of generous open doors — gateways I might have asked for in passing but not for God to miss; gateways I might have not given a chance if I wasn’t “brave” enough.
Turns out there was no threat at all, except for the voice of the enemy who leaped for joy if I was stagnant.
God was simply asking me to live, to let my guard down, to be audacious enough to receive all that He has in store for me outside of my safe space, to witness all the magic and wonder and awe the outside, which I so strongly fear, holds.
If anything, I almost failed to remember that God is a God of upgrade, that anything He asks me to do and anywhere He asks me to go to, He’s already ten steps ahead of me. To increase and not diminish is His strongest suit.
“Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.” Deuteronomy 28:6. Oh to be assured that all is most definitely well.
2024 is for dreaming bigger and continuing to trustingly tread the outside, one foot in front of the other.
May this New Year be filled with peace, love, protection, provision, grace, and prosperity. Glory to the Most High.
