Find Your Inner Brave

“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25

How many times a week or even a day do you second guess yourself?  I will totally admit that I’m a chicken and I worry way too much.  It’s something I’m always working on.  Especially now that I am a mother, there’s a whole new side of the worry!  I can talk everything out and make myself feel better, but when it comes down to it the one thing that brings me the most peace is prayer and the power of God.

For the longest time, and I mean long, I was always worrying or caring about everything it seemed like.  What others were thinking of me, if I was doing this or that right, how I was going to squeeze my large to-do list in one day, etc.  There are still some days that many of these thoughts run through my head.  I never truly saw myself as being a brave woman.  Growing up I struggled with acne and self-confidence, and was scared to be myself in most situations.  I’ll admit I often found myself as more of a follower rather than a leader, too.  Once I went to college at Central Michigan University (Fire Up!), that is where I felt like I started to find my voice and true self.  I was able to hold leadership positions that challenged me, and helped me grow into learning more about myself.  I don’t think I will ever stop discovering new things about myself, but over the past year I have found more of my own inner bravery.  I can’t remember the exact moment where it just clicked, but I can feel that it has grown stronger each day.  Prayer has been and always will be a huge part of that, but there is also a book I’d like to share with you as well.

I was browsing the aisles at Target, (are you guys surprised?), and stumbled across a few devotional books.  I love getting new books that help inspire my inner confidence and strength.  Annie F. Downs is a beautiful writer, and I found her book “100 Days to Brave: Devotions for Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self.”  I loved the title first of all. Just reading it I felt that little bit of courage at the very bottom of my stomach start to flutter.  I almost didn’t get it because many times I’ve bought books and then don’t always devote the time to read them unless they really reel me in.  But I read one page of this book in the aisle, and it did just that.  100 days of short devotions to bring out your true and confident self.  I started this book a few weeks ago and I have already found so much use from it.

Each day allows time for self-journaling, and small challenges to build up your bravery and give you a better outlook on each day.  I like to try to read and journal each day in the morning, but if I don’t then it’s always right before I go to sleep.  It makes me feel empowered either way, and allows me to connect with God even further.  There is a line at the very beginning of the book, “You were always meant to be brave.”  Is that so true or what?!  God made us to be brave!  And when we are feeling scared, God is there to guide us through those rough waters.  It can be so intimidating starting something new.  But the moment you let go of those negative thoughts and just TRY IT, it can be life changing.  I think between prayer and this book, I have a new confidence in being myself,  a wife and mom, starting a blog, and so much more.

“Be strong.  Be brave.  Be fearless.  You are never alone.” Joshua 1:9

I highly recommend this book if you’re feeling like you need that extra boost to dive into something that you’ve been thinking about doing for a while now.  Here is the link to find it on amazon.  You won’t regret it!

Thank you again for reading my blog, or even just clicking on it to check it out!  I’ve been so happy that I’ve been able to finally do something with my love for writing through this blog.  I hope as my blog grows you may also find your own inner brave, and maybe try something new too!  Check back soon for the Next Play!

Lots of love and God Bless,

-Alyssa