Brave

brave brāv/ adjective ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage.

 So, last weekend our worship pastor, Leslie Rich asked me if I had heard the song, "You Make Me Brave". I said yes and she said, "I want you to lead it next Sunday". I looked at her stunned and asked "if she was sure" and she said "yes", You're going to lead it". With some hesitation I said "ok".

 My hesitation was not because the song is a difficult song to sing, (although some of the notes are a bit tricky) my hesitation was in the song itself. Have you ever listened to a song and you knew it was going to be epic? Like life changing, come to Jesus epic? That's how I felt about this song and the fact that I was asked to introduce it to our church felt weighty and important. My hesitation was also in the fact that I am a fearful person. My greatest struggle in life has always been fear.

As a child and even in my teenage years I slept with a night light. Yes, I know, embarrassing but true. As a young adult I was fearful of traveling. I would sob every time I had to fly. During take off I was a mess, (Those poor people sitting next to me). At different times in my life I knew fear was lurking around ready to jump back in and play it's part. So how could I stand on a stage in front of hundreds declaring bravery? I knew I would be seen as a fake but I already said yes to Leslie and I couldn't back out now.

 For the next week I began listening and singing the song over and over. And with each time, it was like something on the inside was screaming out "you are brave"! He has made you brave!! Believe it! Declare it, for those who are living in fear and can't be brave yet.

 So, yesterday on a stage in front of lots of people I led the song "You Make Me Brave"

 With each word I was declaring bravery for the young child who hates bed time because of fear of the dark. The child who lives in fear almost constantly... He has made you brave!

 I sang for the widow like my mom. Who is now facing life alone without my dad. Making decisions without her partner in life... He has made you brave!

 I sang for the person diagnosed with a sickness. Whether you are just starting your journey, are in the middle fighting or at the end like me, facing only two more checkups to be officially cancer free... He has made you brave!

 I sang for the person facing an unknown future. Be it a new job, the loss of a job, a new calling, new children, or big dreams... He has made you brave!

 I was right, this song is a life changing, epic song. My life is changed by stepping out and leading it. I can't say that I will never fear anything again. I mean, let's get real, life can be crazy and scary but my hope now is that in Him, I can face anything. I can be brave!


You make me brave

 I stand before You now
The greatness of your renown
I have heard of the majesty and wonder of you
King of Heaven, in humility, I bow

As Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us You are not against us
Champion of Heaven You made a way for all to enter in

 I have heard You calling my name
I have heard the song of love that You sing
So I will let You draw me out beyond the shore Into Your grace
Into Your grace

You make me brave You make me brave
 You call me out beyond the shore into the waves
You make me brave You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the love that made a way

You make me brave You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves
You make me brave You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the promises you made

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hi-VMxT6fc