Courage originally meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” —Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection
In her personal quest to start living her life with all-out (or should I say all-in) wholeheartedness, Brené Brown makes this wonderful statement regarding courage:
Over time, this definition has changed, and, today, courage is more synonymous with being heroic. Heroics is important and we certainly need heroes, but I think we’ve lost touch with the idea that speaking honestly and openly about who we are, about what we’re feeling, and about our experiences (good and bad) is the definition of courage. Heroics is often about putting our life on the line. Ordinary courage is about putting our vulnerability on the line. In today’s world, that’s pretty extraordinary.
Vulnerability on the line…
It’s very easy to talk about—it’s very difficult to authentically live out.
Let’s face it, vulnerability is just plain scary!
I can definitely attest to that fact, because when I first began to write about my messy life? I imagined all sorts of negative consequences. And, guess what?
Some of them came to pass!
I got the, “Burrrr!” very cold shoulder from a lot of other Christian writers! And, I got the not-so-subtle “advice,” on how I should “cool it” and cover up more.
Some folks kind of, sort of, (suggested?) A LOT LESS transparency from my blogs, would be a-LOT-more, “Overcomer-Christian” appropriate, for the encouraging of others. Oh, yes…
(And, for the record, I don’t give a flyin’ flip if ALL my commas are in the wrong place, okay?)
My Jesus is counting my cups of cool water, not my commas.
You know what?
I really just wanted to say to women out there…
“Here’s my story… you’re NOT ALONE.”
I didn’t do it because Brené Brown said, “…it’s brave.”
(Though, it is affirming to know she thinks so.)
I wish now I’d known about her book, back when my knees were knocking together and the flack was popping daily, hot n’ heavy. But hey, where’s the muscle-building-courage in that, right?
I was just so weary, ya know? Of all the loads and loads of “stuff,” out there on the Net projecting this public image of women in the Church (as though we all believe) we’re some kind of Super-Christian, O-So-Lucky-To-Be-Us, Club… (yawn.)
Mostly, ’cause it just ain’t so.
Nope, less perfection is absolutely the way to go!
Ask church statisticians if you’ve got the slightest doubts. They’ll tell you, we’re just as messed-up as the rest of, y’all!
Authentic vulnerability is harder to do…
But “the walk” is so much lighter…
The world is so much brighter…
Our “Hallelujah’s” are much more heart-felt.
And, LIFE?
Life, most definitely, is a lot MORE fun!
Women With Destiny 