Everything in life we have never done before comes with a learning curve. I imagine some of us get excited to try new things while others might experience being anxious. Sometimes I have felt both excitement and anxiety simultaneously. The interesting thing about choosing the Christian faith is the trust one puts into the relationship with Divine God and figuring out how to keep moving closer to God while being called upon to do things we have not done before. But at the same time, even things we have done so often they’ve become routine don’t always go as planned. Unexpected situations arise, situations which cannot be prepared for. So, what in life is constant?
The one thing I know I can count on is Divine God’s love. Love for me even on the days I have not extended love to myself, or worse, I have not extended love to those I have encountered. Recently, one way I watched bravery take place was when the rap artist Macklemore used his personal and professional privilege to remind the world that intentional violence continues to harm the Palestinian people. UNICEF reports that between October 7, 2023 and February 3, 2026 of the 71,803 who died over 21,000 were children. While the international courts continue to debate if these deaths are considered part of a genocide what remains is the moral reminder that these human siblings are Divine God’s beloveds and they did not deserve to die as part of violent acts. While the world debates genocide or not in Gaza the family of Nolan Wells continue to try and understand how he died.
I do not know any members of the Wells family but I do know many families with Black sons. I have heard mothers share the fears and concerns they have had for their young sons and the dangers these boys faced as Black boys simply growing up in the United States. Black Men’s Health reports that homicide is the leading cause of death for Black males ages 1-19 and 20-44. Homicide is the 5th leading cause of death for Black males of all ages. Statistics that I believe are not shared enough. Because I personally know families who have lost their Black sons to homicide, I realize it is my responsibility to use my voice to lament these losses. It would still be my responsibility to speak out even if I did not personally know families that have endured the tragedy of loosing their son. Now that I am learning to understand the privilege I have as a Christian, white, cisgender woman I am choosing how to use my voice differently.
In the past I have often thought but I am only one person, what can I really do to make a difference. And there is Piglet saying, “it is hard to be brave, when you’re only a very small animal.” This is when I need to concentrate on Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Such an important reminder that the writer of Joshua 1:9 restates it, “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The psalmists also remind their audience not to fear because God is the ever-present stronghold that wants to help in times of trouble.
The writer of Isaiah 41:10 uses Divine God’s voice to say, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” It seems that with these and many more reminders throughout the Bible that it should be easy to be brave and have no fear. Stronger together, Philippians 4:13 addresses strength by stating, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Stronger in God and stronger in community. Yet with the reality we are each a unique person with our own special gifts and talents. I may identify my prophetic voice and determine how and when to use it, this might not be what Divine God is calling you to do. Examining your fears and concentrating on using your identified strengths allows you to live more fully into your bravery.
Piglet has his own way of talking about what it means to be brave. He says, “the things that make me different are the things that make me.” I invite you to embrace what makes you different and how you will set aside fear to practice being brave. I want to leave us with one more important thought that can combat fear and open us to how we are meant to engage with others each day. Piglet uses one of my favorite tools for learning, he wonders. Wonder and curiosity are the best ways I have found when developing relationships with my human and other than human siblings. Piglet says, “I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” So, as you wonder what exciting will happen know that Divine God is with you meeting and greeting your human siblings. Helping to guide you in the ways to listen deeply, to hold the suffering around you, and to celebrate the joys being experienced.
Divine God, You continue to remind us that we are not to fear because You are here. Bravery is within our reach because You gave us the tools to be helpers, we just need to choose to use them. May knowing this bring us comfort so that we become comforters. In Your name we pray, Amen.
