~Reposted from February 2015.
Every time I put myself out there again something happens to make me want to crawl back into my shell. Life is safe in my shell. I am protected and can no longer be hurt or vulnerable to attack when I hide out from the real world.
Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light. ― Brené Brown
I do not want to be brave.
I do not want to embrace my vulnerabilities.
I do not want to be at risk.
But, I want joy *sigh*
This past Monday night was the first Praise and Coffee of the new year. My morning started off awful and I had the strong urge to hide out from the world. I did not want to go to work and I certainly did not want to lead a Praise and Coffee group. I contemplated canceling a few times but, I resisted the urge to be safe.
I wanted to be brave.
I wanted to embrace my vulnerabilities.
I wanted to take a risk.
I showed up and shared my struggles, my heart for Jesus and my night with a small group of women. And wouldn’t you know it but Father brought ladies struggling with similar issues. I know I should not be amazed at how Father works out things in life but I was in awe of how He knows just what we need right when we need it. We did not have a pity party… we connected, encouraged and inspired each other right where we are at in life. We laughed, cried and prayed. We were brave enough to show up and be seen.
The power of connection is undeniable. Every time I reach out to connect to women in my community Father shows me the importance of friendship. He shows me how doing life together is exactly what each of us needs… because this journey is not easy. In the ups and downs it takes connection to make it out of the storm and into the calm peace of His love.
When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there. -Matthew 18:20 The Message
Be bold.
Be brave.
Be vulnerable.
Step out and allow yourself to be seen.
It may be just what you need or even better what someone else needed to get through their bumps in the road.
Father God help us to be bold. Give us strength to be brave. Help us to be vulnerable and seen. Let us make connecting, encouraging and inspiring apart of our everyday lives. We thank you and praise you for community and friendship for our journey. Help us to not run and hide when life gets tough. Amen.
The post Praise and Coffee appeared first on Ronel Sidney.