Hi, Friends! I’ve been looking back at some of my older posts. Almost exactly one year ago I wrote a post titled, “I’m Going to be Brave.” The title caught my eye, especially because my One Word for this year is brave.
When I wrote that post I had no idea what God had in store. I just knew He had something for me to do, and a big plan for me to carry out. In the post I mentioned that whenever God revealed the plan to me I would let you know.
I’m letting you know right now!
The Mercy Retreat tickets are on sale!
I cannot believe the doors God is opening to make this possible. I hope you will click The Mercy Retreat button located at the top of this blog page and find out all about it. I pray you will join us!
I’m including the “I’m Going to be Brave” post below. I hope you enjoy it!
Will I see you at The Mercy Retreat?
———————————————————————————
Well, 40 has come and gone. I am now on to the next phase of blog writing, book finalizing, public speaking, and whatever else I decide I want to do when I grow up. Some changes are on the horizon for me. Do you know it’s not always easy to decide exactly what we are supposed to do in this life? Yes, you know. I can’t possibly be the only woman in the world who wakes up daily wondering if she’s doing what is right in her life. At least I hope I’m not the only one. Even if you are just being polite, please tell me I’m not the only one! I desperately need to hear those words. I think words of affirmation might be my love language. Although, don’t hold me to that… I’m only two chapters through the book which needs to confirm this. 
I know God wants me to do exactly what I’m doing. However, insecurity still follows me. For years, whenever God required me to step out in faith and do something not entirely comfortable, insecurity chased me. When this would happen, I did what I felt was right at the time. I ran from it! However, you don’t conquer any situation by running. You have to face it.
When I began to write this blog, I decided to stare down insecurity square in the face. “Enough is enough!” I declared with fearless determination. Still, there are some days I wake up feeling that maybe enough IS enough, but in a different kind of way. I wrestle with feelings that my voice via the internet sounds ridiculous. Not to mention, everyone now knows my nuttiness. Help!
Yet, even in the midst of all these emotions, I can feel God calling me to step out in faith. It isn’t easy. It’s hard. The other day while pondering all of this, I turned on the television and the movie You Got Mail was playing. Right after Kathleen Kelly decided to close her beloved bookstore, her friend Birdie had this to say, “You are daring to imagine that you could have a different life. Oh, I know it doesn’t feel like that. You feel like a big fat failure now. But you’re not. You are marching into the unknown armed with… nothing.” 
There are many days when I can’t help but feel like I’m armed with nothing. I know that’s not true, because I’m armed with God. I’m not daring to imagine a different life. I love my life. I’m just adding some new things in my life. God believes I can do more than I believe I can do. So, I’m going to do it. And as soon as I have a little more security on exactly what “IT” is, I’ll let you know. Haha!
If God is for me, who can be against me? I’m going to be brave! 
What are you working overtime to be brave at?
Being brave just to step out of my comfortable room and join in on life and try to make new friends
That sounds brave to me, Judy! I will be praying for you:).
I think being brave for me, at least in this season, is releasing my grip on desires. I had so much planned in my head…and HIs plans are looking somewhat different than I had pictured…not bad, just different. My prayers is that I’ll be open to fully embracing every gift He gives.
And I wish so much that I lived closer…I would love to come to the Mercy Retreat, but with a family trip to Indonesia in March and two other trips planned this year, I just can’t do another one. But someday I would love to…so I hope there will be one next year, too! Friend, you have such a beautiful and brave heart…I’m praying for you and the details of the retreat. I know God will do so much. 🙂 (((hugs)))
Thank you for your prayers, Mel. I’m hoping this will be the first retreat of many, so I look forward to the day you can join us! I’m so excited you are returning to Indonesia! I pray you have a wonderful time! And yes, I understand the desire to let go of your plans and welcome His. It can be difficult but always the best choice!
Sounds like amazing and exciting things are in store for you this year. I’m glad you’re jumping off the dock…or running off and jumping into the ocean of God’s grace and adventure… i’m in a new transition period…moving…new job for my husband…new church..what to do in other areas…but God has overwhelmingly blessed and we are building courage…Hope the Retreat goes amazingly!
Thank you! Hoping all goes well for you in your transition period. Be blessed!
I am working to be more brave across the board. I am tired of being timid and worried and I want to have big brave adventures.
You can do it Leelee! Especially if you approach bravery with Christ guiding you! Here is to big, brave, adventures in 2014!
I’m trying to be braver and putting myself “out there” more. It’s not easy since on the inside I am shy. Thanks for linking up to Thoughtful Thursday!
I also struggle with shyness, Sarah. Blogging challenges me and through it Christ is causing growth. Thanks for reading! Have a great day!
Being brave is a biggie for me, too. It seems like every time I find confidence, the very next wave knocks me back to where I started in the speaking/writing journey. BUT – I’m always seeking the truth. It seems like I can’t get enough of encouraging words like the ones you’ve written. I’m also dying to know more about the retreat! Do you have everything you need, or still waiting for pieces to fall in place? Will start praying for you and your team today!!! xoxo
Hi Sam! We all get knocked down from time-to-time. The important things is that you don’t stay down. Continue to trust and keep on keeping on, girl!
I have a retreat page on the blog that gives information. I will be putting up the speaker page this weekend with all the details about the wonderful speakers God has provided for us. I appreciate your prayers! I don’t know where you are in the world, but maybe you can attend! Thank you so much for reading today.