In amongst the usual stuff I write about, I thought I would share over the next few weeks, as a review of the year, 4 of the stories, readings, poems, that struck me in the course of this year, as a little gift for you.
I have read Paulo Coelhos books for well over 5 years now, and this one ‘Maktub’, was translated into English in the last few years, I bought it in March, as at the time was restricting my book buying to just favourite authors or books that really stood out.
So this one was a definite. Its bite sized stories accompanied by early morning reading and quiet space for a while.
But it was this one that made me stop, underline, put the date next to it, and have a bookmark in it all year.
God is the God of the brave.
Brave. Courage.
I could talk about Mary’s bravery in the run up to advent. The 7 months of waiting, and now the month before the birth of Jesus. What did she (and Joseph) need to do to be brave?
Because…
It’s the same bravery when you or I have stood up to injustice.
It’s the same bravery when we hold someone we care about
It’s the same bravery when we face the inner demons
It’s the same bravery that we can use to make our dreams happen.
Brave means getting angry and rising to do something.
Brave means setting boundaries and saying no
Brave means turning love for others inwards too
And Hope.
God is the God of the brave.
‘Face your journey with courage. Don’t be afraid of other people’s criticisms, above all don’t let yourself be paralysed by your own self criticism’
Bravery means going beyond, to the new place you’ve have never been before.
Brave, means taking on your world to make it different. Whatever that is.
What might it mean for you to own your bravery today?
(and yes, God, it’s fucking tiring feeling like being brave is a constant…I get it..)
But own it as it’s your inner strength coming to the party, and so that one day, that power will be yours to have for you.
God is the God of the brave.
James Ballantyne 