Lately, I have noticed a pattern in the media revolving around being brave – a pattern I like to call “The Movement of Awakening Courage”. From Disney’s movie “Brave”, to Taylor Swift singing “Shake It Off”, you can see empowerment is everywhere.
Do you remember the Sound of Music? I used to love that movie growing up and one of my favorite songs was “I Have Confidence”. There was something so enchanting to me about Maria (the main character) being able to brush off her fear, as though it were mere dust and then speaking courageously and boldly about who she was and what she was capable of doing – all in 3 minutes.
I often wished confidence would come as easily to me. Unlike Maria, since the time I can remember I have been shy. This personality, has made me very aware of people that speak about empowering yourself, because there is always this question in the back of my mind asking, “How can I also be brave?”
A few months ago, I came across this song called “Brave” by Sara Bareilles. It is not “Christian” but God spoke to my heart through this song. As I listened, it was almost like I could see Him cheering me on, with fists shaking above His head saying, “Be courageous daughter! You are not alone for I am with you! You cannot fail me! I am proud of you! Let’s be brave together!”
This last part, “Let’s be brave together”, really struck a cord in my heart. Trying to overcome my shyness has always felt like something I had to do alone. For some, being shy is fine and for others, it’s not even an issue. But my shyness was a problem.
It was hindering me from talking to people I know God wanted me to talk to, speaking-up about things I am passionate about, doing anything that would put me in the spotlight, letting people really get to know me and also, wholly pursuing the hearts of others, all because of this fear. I so badly wanted to be confident, but it was starting to feel like a battle I would never win.
Then out of the blue, through a song I had never heard before, God spoke and said, “No, Katya, you are not supposed to do this alone, we are going to work through this together”.
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Today I can say God has done such a miracle within me. There is definitely room to grow but still, I feel so bold! I can be among strangers and confidently ask them about their lives, and even, freely talk about what God is doing in mine (something that was such a struggle for me to do). I have gone to meetings for work, and when I felt moments of shyness, I looked to God and suddenly felt peace because I knew He was with me. I have even felt more confident praying for my friends that don’t know God.
For some, it probably does not look like much, but Lord knows… those were my battle fields.
Princesses, I am sharing this journey with you because some of you may be like how I was, frustrated with yourself because after trying to change for so long, you still haven’t seen improvement in a particular area in yourself. It could be you are dealing with shyness, or something like getting angry really easy, being rude/having an attitude, an addiction to something, depression, feeling lonely, but whatever it is, I want you to know that you are not meant to face it or try to conquer it alone. Victory is found only in Christ.
Jesus says in John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
The world here, is not ONLY what is going on around the earth, but also what’s going on in YOUR world. As God’s daughter, yes, you will face trails in your life, but He has already won every battle. Take heart, be at peace and trust in Jesus – the one who gives hope to the hopeless, who strengthens the weak, and by just being in His presence, courage is found.
Love you Princesses. Hope you have a beautiful day.
-Katya
p.s. Here is the video by Sara Bareilles called “Brave”