words with you

FAMILY, LIFESTYLE, MINDFULNESS, MOTHERHOOD

BE-BRAVE-WITH-YOUR-LIFEI am a fairly risk-adverse person. I tend more often to stick with what I know and with whom and where I am comfortable. When it comes to decision-making, I’m fairly analytical and calculated, although I often admire adults who can just do something without over-thinking–I tend to discourage it in my children. (Wink.) I won’t begin to speculate about whether my decision-making style is good or bad–it just is, and I’ve learned to accept this about myself.

Earlier last week, I read these words and immediately thought,  yes! Be brave, Bethany. Naturally, I  pinned  it to my Pinterest board, and moved on with my day. Still hours later, these delicate letters lingered with me, begging the question: am I brave? I often equate bravery with daring, high-risk adventures like bungee-jumping or cliff diving or with political activists willing for justice against the tyrannical majority. While I esteem their courage for varied reasons (and support several in the latter), that’s not where I am in my life right now. My life is quite ordinary and small, which, if i’m not careful, can easily translate in my heart to unimportant and lacking courage.

Motherhood can be a terribly romantic notion from afar, but in the day-to-day, it can feel anything but brave. I have at times been covered in poop and vomit (although fortunately not in a while) and for years didn’t sleep through the night (happily now). My days are filled with teaching simple rituals with dishwater and clothing and food next to phonics and algorithms and natural order. In all moments, whether I like it or not, I am teaching my children something about the world, about God. And when I fail–because I often do–I teach them about mercy, forgiveness, and grace. We all need to hear that lesson more often. I think of all the mothers I know, ones who have given up the rights to their bodies to give life to someone else and others who have given up the rights to their hearts to become a mother to the motherless.  I think of mothers who have moved their children to foreign lands or returned to college or worked hard hours in and out of the home all to offer their children something better. We always want something better for the ones who come after us. I decide mothers are some of the bravest people I know.

But is the point of bravery to become a mother? Of course not. We all have a place, a gift, a role that belongs uniquely to us. Today, I want to simply remind you to have courage with your gift, in your work. Regardless of how small you perceive it to be, be brave with your life, friends.

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  1. I struggle with bravery in the sense that I really struggle with anxiety. My version of bravery is more about trying to live without fear, which is hard for me but really important.

    Loved this.

    1. Author

      YES! A noble courage, Kacie. And I imagine one you’re not alone in. Thank you for sharing. x

  2. this is so perfect. it speaks exactly to what i’ve been feeling lately. thank you for sharing!

  3. you’re such a kind soul bethany, i feel like i could learn 10000 things from you! this is such a great post. thank you so much for your honesty <3

    1. Author

      It always feels good to get the words out of my chest. Thanks for the encouragement. x

  4. “Today, I want to simply remind you to have courage with your gift, in your work. Regardless of how small you perceive it to be, be brave with your life, friends.” Thank you for this beautiful encouragement today, Bethany.

    1. Author

      It always fills my heart to remind others not to shrink back, but it’s sometimes harder for me to say the same to myself. I’m glad to do both here today. Thank you for sharing some kindness with me today.

    1. Author

      You’re welcome, Kristyn! We all need to hear this (daily). Best to you and those sweet boys today. x

  5. I have been hesitant to even consider what I do, motherhood and working outside the home, as a brave work. It does seem menial some days. I appreciate the reminder that raising humans, and working hard at it, is a great work and something to do bravely.

    Mary

    1. Author

      My mother used to remind us that by investing her time in the six of us, we would accomplish exponentially what she could do on her own. I always appreciate this perspective now, when I find myself exactly in her shoes. Lots of grace to you today, Mary. x

    1. Author

      I could hear this reminder everyday. I’m glad it built courage in you today. xo

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