WHEN A THREAT COMES
Sometimes we are overwhelmed by a cacophony of voices coming from many directions and venues. We are told what to eat or what not to eat, what to wear or not wear, where to go or not go, and so on. Or maybe there’s a threat of war, earthquake, an unwanted diagnosis, death of a loved one, or maybe just an impending sense of dread. How do we keep being brave in the face of any threat, especially if we are already feeling overwhelmed?
More on that later. First, I want to share an updated version of a prose/poem I wrote a few years ago to the prompt Brave is…
KEEP BEING BRAVE
Brave is taking a plane with your 2-year-old and nursing baby,
leaving your husband at home with two more, ages 6 and 8,
Hoping to see your dying grandpa, whom you haven’t seen in six years.
Brave is walking a long way at the airport while carrying your baby and a heavy diaper bag,
watching your 2-year-old walk ahead with a toddler sized backpack filled with her stuff.
Exhausted, you are relieved to see your dad waiting at the end of that long walk.
Brave is sitting in your grandpa’s hospital room making sure he stays comfortable.
The tv drones on, though neither of you are interested. It does break the silence.
You sit there, trying to care for him, calling the nurse when needed.
Brave is staying even when you feel helpless, as your grandpa all of a sudden says,
“It’s an awful thing to face death.” He was 90 years old, and very close to my grandma.
I think he must have been worried about leaving her.
Brave is helping at your grandma’s house after your grandpa dies,
answering the phone, putting away food, greeting people who dropped by,
all while still caring for your toddler and baby.
Brave is getting back on a plane to travel home, exhausted, with two little ones,
arriving at the crowded airport, waiting a bit before your husband arrived,
yet seeing kindness, as a young woman helped your daughter down the steps.
Brave is boarding a plane 7 years later with your then 14-month-old son,
Your dad is in intensive care, not doing well, but that is another story,
Years later, brave was facing the death of that son at the age of 29.
BEING BRAVE BY ABIDING IN CHRIST
Back to the cacophony of voices and the many ways we might feel threatened, how do we keep being brave? What do we do when the noise is so great we just want to run and hide?
We don’t realize what we can do until faced with certain crises. I find it’s best not to worry about what the future may hold or how we will handle things that are hard. That doesn’t mean we don’t plan or take precautions. We may even be scared, but we don’t have to worry. God has promised to be with us and take us through whatever we face. I think we can take to heart these words found in Joshua:
Have I not commanded you? 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
God provides the courage when circumstances threaten to bring us down. He has always been faithful to me, giving comfort and peace during very difficult times. In (John 14:16-17,26), before Jesus left his disciples to return to heaven, he promised to send them a Counselor to help and guide. When we are facing a threat and don’t even know how to pray, this Counselor, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. God has us covered, and that’s good news!
… the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:26-28
As we abide in Christ, depending on the Holy Spirit, we are given the strength to face our fears and the courage to go through what seems impossible. We will experience the peace that only Jesus gives, and the grace to share our lives with others. Through it all we learn what it means to bear one another’s burdens and to build each other up.
This is for Day 26 of #write28days. The word prompt is threat.
I’m linking up with #InspireMeMonday. I’m also linking up with the #oneword2023, as my #oneword is abide.
Gayl, you have been brave and walked through most difficult circumstances. This post made me realize “brave” happens in the moment. It is God stepping in and supplying something we truly don’t have – courage. “We don’t realize what we can do until faced with certain crises.” So very true! And it is then we come to realize just what our God can do. Thank you for this encouraging reminder!
You’re right, Joanne, it does happen in the moment, at just the right time, for it really is God that gives us that courage. Glad you were encouraged today. Blessings to you, Joanne! xo
Love your poem – it tells so much about you! You are indeed brave.
And we can all be like Daniel when we have the grace of God on our side.
Thank you for your encouragement, dear Corinne! Yes, with God’s grace we CAN be like Daniel. Blessings to you! xo
I love your poem about about bravery. And definitely agree that doing all that is indeed quite brave. Simply loving other human beings requires bravery. I love how you’re working with ABIDE in your life.
Thank you so much, Lisa! You’re right – loving others does require bravery. I’m trying to find ways to work with abide. It’s not always easy to find the connections. Blessings to you! xo
Thank you, Gayl for sharing a very special part of you! I am likewise learning “Brave” looks different in different seasons, but it always looks like “Abiding”.
Thanks for reading, Donna! Yes, I agree with you that brave always looks like abiding. Without “abiding in Christ” things would be very hard or impossible at times. Blessings to you!