You are Worth Fighting For.

Did you know courage is your birthright? That means the moment you were born, God direct deposited all the courage you will ever need straight into your very existence. Consider it an early inheritance, better than any Christmas bonus or commission check.

This is good news worth shouting from the rooftops. It isn’t reserved for just a chosen few. For realz. It’s not a matter of confidence, education, status, personality, or profession. Courage is yours for the taking, straight up. No strings attached.

Imagine, an unlimited supply of courage is inside all of us simply because you were born with it. It’s just waiting for you to discover it and tap into it anytime you want.

The question is, do you believe it?

Listen to the power of courage for just a sec. Courage…

• Propels you toward your purpose
• Improves your productivity
• Fills you with more joy than you thought possible

Seriously, courage is the secret sauce to punching worry in the face, kissing anxiety goodbye, and saying no to fear.

Now, that’s my idea of a good time. Sign me up. Pick me, pick me. I want a piece of that. No, strike that, I want the whole courage pie. Gotta gimmie some of that. You in? Let’s have our cake and our courage too.

All you gotta do is simply know how to find it when you need it! Easy ‘nough, right? But we all know simple doesn’t mean easy. That’s where I come in. I can help with this; let me show you how.

Let’s be clear and first make sure we are all on the same page. When I say courage, this is what I’m talking about…

Courage is the ability to do something difficult, uncertain, or scary. It’s stepping outside of your comfort zone, sharing your ideas, speaking up, or showing up. It’s standing firm in your beliefs and values.

Courage is daring enough to risk your comfortable life for the one you are capable of living. Are you with me? Let’s break it down even further.

It’s easy to identify courage in BIG things:

• First day of a new job
• Becoming parents for the first time
• Buying your first house
• Signing up for your first half marathon

Next level of courage is everyday courage. This is the courage you don’t even realize you have or need. The kind that requires you to make decisions all day long that hold you back. It’s the smallest everyday decisions, opportunities, and moments that require courage.

The hidden moments of everyday courage are far more impressive than the obvious stand out ones. Consider these nuggets:

• Initiating a hard conversation
• Hitting send on an email
• Walking away from a sugary snack
• Saying, “I’m sorry.”

Finding the next level of courage in your everyday life sets you up to face your future. Trials, obstacles, and curve-balls will come. The question is… will they knock you down or build you up.

Today is your day:

• Say no to fear
• Punch intimidation in the face
• Kick doubt out the door

Today you are in training for your trail.
Today you are in training for your future.
Today you are in training for your promises and dreams.

Choose courage in small things. It’s a set up for your future. And, your future looks bright, big, and bold…Just as God intended.

YOU can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

Philippians 4:13

Here’s a tidbit that may help you find your courage:

Do it scared!

Want to know one of the most impressive things you can do? Press into situations that scare you.

When was the last time you were scared: heart racing, hyperventilating w/ sweaty palms & real tears.

Some rarely see that side of scared. If we do, it’s an exception.
 Others experience real fear on an everyday basis doing everyday things.

Bonafide fear can happen in the common, every day and unnoticed moments like:

• picking up the phone,
• raising your hand,
• speaking up, or
• asking a question.

And for others, it happens every morning just trying to get out of bed. I just heard a collective sigh from all the sisters who can relate. Rest assured, sweet girl, I see you. This is for you. Lean in, I’ve got you.

I did this exercise recently with a group of middle school girls I disciple. We tackled topics like, ‘What if I trip in front of the entire school’?, ‘What if my friends ditch me for new friends’?, ‘What if I don’t know anyone in my class’? These may seem silly and insignificant to our grown-up eyes. But this is real life for these tweens. Middle school can be scary. It can be a huge source of anxiety, fear, and sleepless nights. But heck, life is scary isn’t it? The key to owning fear (big fear, everyday fear, and middle school fear) is to tackle the mountain head-on.

This exercise shows you how. If we want our sons and daughters to rise up and overcome their fears, we’ve got to face ours too. Our courage is about so much more than just us. It is about the next generation. It’s up to us to lead them well. We need to shine the light on fear and lead by example. We can’t give them what we don’t have. Remember, courage is yours. The question remains, do you believe it?

So, here’s the deal…
I try to keep things simple. Complicated formulas and methods are overwhelming and make me wish I’d paid more attention in school. Let me cut to the chase. Here’s my approach to pressing into fear and finding courage. It works for my family and me. Maybe it can work for you too?

Time to grab your favorite journal and fancy colored pen. Get cozy. We are gonna dive in and dig deep. Let’s do this!

How To Press Into Fear and Find Your Courage

1. Truth & Lies

Sort your thoughts into two buckets: truth and lies. Not sure what’s what? Easy. Truth lines up with the word of God, and lies don’t. Bookmark my favorite Bible app if you need a little help along the way: https://www.youversion.com/

2. List the Lies

Write out every lie you are focusing on. Next, play out the full ‘what if’ scenario for each lie in detail. Go all in, worst-case scenarios all around.

3. List the Truths

List out the truth about what God says about you. Go ahead, brag on him, and you. Make a list as long as possible. Not sure what He says about you? No problem, nothing a quick google search can’t fix – or download this handy-dandy friendly reminder.

4. Repeat the Lies

Reread your lies & recognize how they make you feel: nervous, anxious, scared, fearful, etc.

5. Repeat the Truths

Reread your truths and pay attention to how they make you feel: peaceful, secure, loved, comforted, victorious, etc. Linger there until the words take root into your soul, and the truth wins the battlefield in your mind.

This isn’t rocket science. But simple doesn’t mean easy. Sometimes you have to dig deep to find your courage. Be willing to press in and decide YOU are worthy. Trust God has your back. Your PEACE is worth fighting for.

The word of God has POWER.

The TRUTH can set you free.

Scripture can lead and guide you in EVERY situation.

The Bible is my superpower, source of strength, and weapon of choice to face my everyday fears. And it can be yours too. Check out my You Tube videos to hear more of my heart on this matter.

Do you dream big – It’s time to act boldly!
Do you have high hopes – It’s time to be brave!
Do you want to make a difference – Then be different!

The answer is simple…CHOOSE COURAGE.
God has already supplied you with an immeasurable dose of courage You are already equipped with everything you need. All you have to do is believe it…and use it.

Decide today that you are worth it.

Decide today that you can do it.

Decide today that your dreams are worth fighting for.

The world is waiting for you to Rise up, Take Courage and Live Different. We need YOU! The bold, confident + courageous version of YOU. We can’t wait to see your gifts shine.

Now, go do the everyday hard things.

“….Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9