Brave Submission

What does it mean to be brave? Is bravery only found in the upright, unwavering aggressor or defender who is undaunted by fear? Or, in those who rush headlong into conflict and danger, seemingly wrapped in an invisible armor built by adrenaline? Those images definitely paint a picture of a valiant hero, however, I would like to submit to you another form of bravery. The type of bravery that it takes to admit you are weak and in need of Someone much stronger to carry you through. The type of bravery that has the courage to submit to the strength and endurance from a Source much greater, realizing the human reserve only goes so far. To be brave is to have the cup of suffering placed in your hands and not spit out its contents, giving up in defeat. After spending a few days with our niece, Sophie, knowing all she has been through and the long road ahead of her, I knew I had come face to face with “brave”. It is hard to describe the level of prolonged physical anguish Sophie has endured. I personally have never witnessed up close, anything like it, and yet the tenacious spirit she was gifted with continues to fight, her weary arms being held up by Jesus, himself. When asked what she wants people to know about being in the midst of a deep, dark valley, she impressed that “as Christians, we are not immune to the lowest of lows, but that is when we have to look to the only thing that matters. Jesus. When all you have is Jesus, all you need is Jesus.” As her mother, her husband, and grandparents have done countless times and continue still, I have sat with her as she moaned in agonizing pain, having horrible nausea and vomiting, while simultaneously holding her hands in a position of worship and singing a song of praise through her tears. Hebrews 13:15 encourages us, like Sophie, to “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” As I head back home knowing that even though God is not delivering Sophie from her afflictions, He is delivering her through them, and creating within her a story of unending grace, unbreakable perseverance, and the hope to continue being brave.  

Intimately,

Jenni