Category: Courage

  • 5 Ways to Comfort Grievers

    Allen is home. We live one mile from the Allen Premium Outlets swinging in regularly to shop for deals on everything from shoes to shirts. Safe. Serene. And now shockingly sad after a senseless act of violence.

    When unspeakable tragedy hits, support from others fills in the empty space – the gap between this fallen world and the way it’s supposed to be. Our community stepped up and bridged that gap when our three year old son died after years of chemo. Lifelines holding us up when only ashes and rubble remained.

    They taught me “5 S’s” of support for grievers. Let’s offer comfort to others walking through grief and trauma:

    1. Slip on their shoes

    First, imagine yourself in their place. How would you feel? What types of emotions would you be experiencing? What would feel helpful vs hurtful?

    I imagine store clerks at the outlet having vivid memories of the sound of bullets, the clank of the store gate coming down, the click of the door being locked, visions of ushering panicked shoppers to safety in the back of the store coupled with a fear so strong it makes you weak in the knees.

    First responders likely arrived to a horrific scene to help. I envision the way they bandaged up wounds and arranged transport to local hospitals. The way they honored the privacy and dignity of the victims who departed this world by placing white sheets over their bodies.

    I think about the families who received that unexpected call forever altering the course of life.

    Envisioning those impacted activates your own empathy. It helps transport you to the right frame of mind to offer genuine help.

    2. Show up

    Offer support in a way proportional to your relationship with the person impacted. Some ideas include:

    Community member you don’t know personally = donate to local causes supporting victims https://www.cityofallen.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5028&fbclid=IwAR39HmY4O1C-1-qk7Vu3hRnGDzqh7wP1SfKGgFEVb6Pj-QqJ5FOWdOZy8cw&mibextid=Zxz2cZ or providing counseling for the community, attend vigils and prayer services

    Casual friend or acquaintance = social media comments or personal message, cards, donations

    Co-worker = work emails, texts, cards, flowers, meal gift cards

    Friend = Meals, texts, cards, flowers, meaningful gifts, lunch or dinner

    Close inner circle friend or family member (or pastor) = all of the above plus an in-person visit if griever is open to it

    *Note: Be very careful about invading someone’s most private life moment unless you are a very close friend or family member. Before barging in uninvited, check yourself. Avoid any tendencies to come riding in on your white horse to save the day. This causes more long-term harm than good.

    For close friends and family invited in, expect to feel incredibly uncomfortable entering into their darkest hour. Most people worry about what to say. Leave your lengthy words and your fix-it toolbox at home. Nothing you do or say will take away the pain. It can’t be fixed. But, it can be less lonely with the support of others. Helplessness tries to convince you there’s no point in being there for your loved one. It’s lying. Your presence sparks a light in a sea of darkness. Grievers need their safe people.

    Avoid this common mistake. Many people offer platitudes trying to simplify grief and trauma into a linear one-liner. Statements such as “God will never give you more than you can handle,” or “Heaven must have needed another angel,” or “Don’t grieve without hope” may help you feel better, but it won’t help a griever. Platitudes feel at best like empty promises and at worst judgments.

    As Pastor Rick Warren who lost his child to suicide said, “The more extreme the trauma, the less words you bring.” You can’t take away the pain. Your presence speaks volumes. It is enough.

    Park the platitudes. Present your presence.

    3. Simply Listen

    Avoiding a griever because you’re uncomfortable makes them feel even more isolated and alone. Greet them and read their cues. Go with the flow.

    Be willing to listen. Grievers don’t always feel like talking about what happened. Let them lead and don’t force it. If they open-up, listen not just with your ears but with your heart. Offer empathy, compassion, and grace.

    When our son Jenson passed away, I prepared to return to work after several months off. My friend Linda offered great counsel to co-workers as they asked, “What do I say to Kristin when she comes back?”.

    “Just talk to her. She’s still a person. She just experienced something traumatic.”

    Grievers may want a good laugh. Or need to talk about fashion or sports. Or want to hear what’s happening with you. Or cry. Listen and follow their lead.

    Respect their boundaries. If a griever wants to share, they will. If they don’t, it’s not personal. Everyone grieves differently. 

    4. Suspend Judgment

    If a griever is willing to open up and talk about their pain or memories, remember you are on holy ground. The wound runs deep. It’s raw and aching from trauma. Be a safe place where confidences can be kept.

    There is no place for judgment in a sea of sorrow.

    A friend of mine lost her sister to COVID. As she shared her heartfelt emotions on Facebook, one commenter mixed scripture with judgment about how she “should be grieving”. I wanted to punch him in the virtual face. Thankfully self-control ruled the day. I called my friend offering empathy and a listening ear instead.

    Judgment from well-meaning people who don’t understand the depths of your pain or have never experienced the assault tragic grief inflicts add additional injury. Be careful not to scratch at scars.

    Grievers may need to cry, cuss, scream, rant or laugh all in one sentence. And grief often causes temporary loss of any filter. Let a griever grieve. Don’t be alarmed when a normally decisive person encounters decision paralysis. It’s normal.

    Put away your gavel. Suspend judgment.

    5. Shine love

    Nothing goes further than unconditional love.

    Statements like:

    I love you.

    You’re not alone.

    I’m praying for you.

    I wish I could take away some of your pain.

    Be like Jesus and offer comfort. “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted”. 

    When Jesus’ friend Lazarus died, the Bible says “Jesus wept”. He mourned as he felt the depths of their pain. Bring hugs, tears, and your whole heart. Walk through the ups and downs, the uncomfortable and uncertainty with unfailing unconditional love.

    You can be a fountain of healing in a desert of mourning. Let’s all be a positive force for comfort and healing today and tomorrow.

  • Faith Over Fear!

    Hello friends! Today I’m excited to introduce you to my amazing writer and speaker friend Jennifer Goebbel. She is a mama of three girls and one boy, married for 19+ years, and has a God-given gift to teach (I love listening to her speak and marvel as she brings the Bible to life in new ways) . She is guest posting today on the blog, and I just know you’re going to love her as much as I do. Enjoy today’s post and check out more on her website and blog.

    Have you ever heard a child crying from inside a public restroom?  Well, truth be told, I or some other Mom or Dad might have been on the inside…whispering loudly, “Please stop crying, please?!” horrified that our child was so upset about using a self-flushing toilet.

    So, I’m actually speaking from experience here…my sweet, kind hearted daughter has been afraid of self-flushing toilets ever since she was old enough to go potty in public restrooms.  And since she is so very afraid, she cries as if you are trying to hurt her!  Oh. My. Word.  Lol.

    Honestly, I felt like I had tried everything.  I had tried covering the sensor with my hand, covering the sensor with a piece of toilet paper, physically hovering her over the toilet while I held her!…and I tried rationalizing, with a 4 year old – guess how that went?!  Nothing worked.  She would either hold it for hours on end…or she would cry very loudly and say “No, I can’t do it!” all because she was afraid it might suck her down with the water or even worse, splash her.  [Can you feel my pain here?!]

    Until the day I realized I was approaching it all wrong.

    Literally standing there in the restroom stall that day…the Holy Spirit reminded me what the Bible has to say about fear:  2 Timothy 1:7a  “For God did not give us a spirit of fear…”

    And I stood there in that stall that day and had a conversation about fear with my sweet, crying, then 7 year old.  “If God says in His Word that He doesn’t give us the spirit of fear…then do you know who that spirit is from?”  She quietly answered “the enemy?”.  “Yep, fear is from satan.”

    She thought about that for a little while and then I asked her, “So, do you know what God does give to you?!”  “No, what?”  She was pouting a bit now…arms crossed and dancing a bit, because she REALLY had to go to the bathroom!  Lol.  Oh. My.  Heavens.

    So I finished the scripture for her… “Sweet girl, God gives you the spirit of power, of love and a sound mind!  You have God’s power working on the inside of you.  He makes you strong, He gives you peace…you can do this!!”

    She did go on that self-flushing potty that day, but it took a lot of time.  And I’ll be honest, it has been a journey for her.  As of today, she is finally able to use them without being afraid, but not without hesitation.  BUT, you guys, it brings her such JOY every time she conquers that fear!!!  Once fear was exposed as NOT being from God, she was able to process her emotions differently.  She was able to…little by little…start making decisions to trust God instead of letting fear control her.

    And this is SO much more than a story about a little girl being afraid of self-flushers.  It’s really for all of us.  I don’t know about you, but fear tries it’s hardest to sneak into my life.  It has been there when God asked me to do something new [fear of failure], it has showed up in my relationships [fear of not being good enough], and it even shows up sometimes when I try to talk with people about Christ…[fear of rejection].  BUT, once it’s called out for what it is…that it’s not something from God, but from the enemy…then, you can deal with it.  Then you can rely on scripture and speak to fear!  You can say, out loud if you want to, “I am filled with Jesus.  And He gives me power, He gives me a sound mind, He gives me peace…I am filled with His love.” 2 Timothy 1:7

    Faith over fear.  Sometimes it’s a journey, sometimes it’s instant.  But I want to encourage you, give your fear to Jesus, let Him replace it with peace…just like my daughter decided to do.  Remember this story, of a scared, sweet little girl who was paralyzed with fear and anything but peace.  And remember God’s very same promise is for you too!

    Enjoy this post from Jennifer? Page down on her website and subscribe to get future posts sent directly to your inbox.

  • Close Encounter In An Airport Bathroom

    It started off as a typical Thursday afternoon after a week of business travel.

    Turn in rental car. Schlep barefoot through security checkpoint. Bra wire pat down by female TSA agent. Board returning flight. Stow bag. Insert purple earbuds. Listen to chill music while gazing out airplane window. Land at DFW airport and taxi 15 minutes to gate. Grab carry on bag. Head up exit ramp. Stop in airport bathroom before picking up car (because everyone knows rush hour traffic plus no bathroom break equals no bueno).

    My black Samsonite bag glided on the speckled tile floors as I made my way through the crowd to the bathroom. Surprisingly no line. I headed into the first open stall.

    As I exited the stall, I saw her. Her eyes darting around in a panic. The look of complete emotional despair bubbling like a volcano about to erupt. The line had grown a couple people deep. She shuffled back and forth trying to keep her composure for just a few more minutes.

    I rolled my black suitcase by her towards the sink and soap.

    Then, I heard an abrupt rattling of each bathroom stall door. Rattle, rattle. Rattle, rattle. Rattle, rattle. Her brain desperately in search of a bit of privacy so she could let herself fall apart.

    With each rattle, rejection. This stall is taken.

    It couldn’t be contained any longer. She hurled herself in the back corner of the bathroom and let out a wail of despair. Sobbing echoed throughout the entire bathroom coupled with an eerie, reverent quiet.

    As I washed my hands with warm water and soap, I prayed God would have mercy on her. God, I don’t know what this woman is facing today, but I pray you will comfort her. Help her to remember she is loved and not alone.

    That’s when an impression so strong emerged, I knew it could only be from God. Go tell her she is loved and not alone.

    Uhhh…God, can’t you see this woman wants to be alone – hence the rattling stalls and attempt for some privacy? I’m not sure some stranger delivering a message right now is a good idea. You sure about this?

    Go tell her she is loved and not alone.

    I finished rinsing the soap off my hands and headed towards the automatic paper towel dispenser with uncertainty in my spirit. Who wants to be the crazy lady in the airport bathroom who invades a stranger’s semi-private corner meltdown moment?

    So I did what any God honoring somewhat hesitant person would do and headed towards… the exit door. Times when I’ve heard God and ignored it flashed through my brain in a matter of seconds. Regret. I still wonder what could have happened if I’d listened and followed through.

    After several steps towards the exit, I found myself in the midst of a huge pivot back into the restroom. Courage started to fill me up from the inside out as I headed for the corner. What do I say???  I prayed God would give me the words.

    “Can I give you a hug?” came out of my mouth.

    She nodded yes and sunk into my arms weeping. She held on tight as she cried for over 30 seconds. Then, I looked into her eyes and delivered the message, “God wants you to know you are loved, and that you’re not alone. He sent me over here with that message for you.”

    Her eyes filled with more tears, and she began crying again. She took a deep breathe, grabbed hold of my hands, and started to speak.

    “My mom died this year. It’s been really hard. We were really close. And I just got off the phone with my dad who is sick and is refusing to go to the doctor. He’s so stubborn… and I’m … I’m so frustrated. I can’t lose both my parents this year. I feel so alone.” The tears welled up again.

    Suddenly the words God gave made so much sense. I repeated them to her. You are loved, and you’re not alone. You are loved, and you’re not alone.

    She held my hands tight as we talked more about her family. I assured her God hasn’t forgotten about her – as evidenced by him sending a complete stranger in an airport restroom with a special message just for her. I gave her one last hug and headed out to pick up my car in awe of getting to be a part of something so special -> a God-moment.

    Moments like these can arise in the most seemingly mundane of times: at home doing laundry and speaking with your child when the conversation turns deep, in the car running errands when you feel a prompting to call a friend, or even with a stranger in an airport restroom.

    Because God is in our everyday moments. And sometimes He gives us the privilege of getting to be a special part of his divine plan.

    It only requires tuning-in and acting (and a bit of courage to listen to that little voice… you know the one that you can’t shake even when it may not make logical sense or might make you look like a crazy person).

    “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1

    You’ll never regret listening to God’s voice, getting to be a part of His plan, and getting to lift others up.

    Who is God impressing on your heart today? Make that phone call. Say those encouraging words. Be part of that God-moment.

     

     

     

     

  • A Poem Of Thanks This Good Friday

    How did it feel
    To leave perfection
    To come from heaven
    To face rejection?

    How did it feel
    To know what was coming
    The trial, the judgment,
    The abuse and the shunning?

    How did it feel
    Asking your dear friends to pray
    And finding them napping
    Unable to stay awake?

    How did it feel
    To wait for the day
    When one you discipled
    Would be one who betrayed?

    How did it feel
    To hang on that cross
    Knowing at any moment
    You could have come off?

    How did it feel
    Looking into your mother’s eyes
    Seeing her pain
    As she watched you die?

    How did it feel
    To be raised from the dead
    Knowing death had been defeated
    Through the blood you shed?

    How did it feel
    To be reunited
    To be back in heaven
    With God Almighty?

    Jesus we thank you
    For a heart filled with grace
    A love so deep
    You willingly took our place

    – Kristin Aaron

  • Grace For The Holiday Griever (Part 2 of 3)

     

    Part 2: Honoring Your Loved One With Grace

    We got the Christmas boxes down from the attic and started unpacking. A surge of emotion hit as I pulled out our four stockings (Doug, Kristin, Sydney, and Jenson).

    It was our first Christmas without our son Jenson, and it flashed me back to our first dinner out after he passed away.

    “How many in your party?” the hostess innocently asked.

    I felt a huge lump in my throat as I quietly said, “Three.” I couldn’t stop thinking, “It’s supposed to be four. We are a family of four.”

    I sat staring at our four stockings trying to decide what to do next. I couldn’t spend the next month looking at three stockings on the mantel – the grief felt far too raw. I decided to hang all four (at least for this first year).

    But what should I do with Jenson’s stocking on Christmas morning? An empty stocking would give the emptiness of grief a stronger foothold.

    Grief paralysis started to set in.

    I took a deep breathe and decided this whole stocking dilemma needed a re-frame. A way to turn something negative into a bright spot. But how?

    By honoring his memory and allowing it to live on.

    We placed several monkeys in Jenson’s stocking that Christmas morning. Monkeys always held a special place in Jenson’s heart. Before he passed away, we started sending monkeys and smiles to other Histiocytosis families (Jenson’s idea which we could call Monkey Grins).

    Jenson’s stocking would be filled with monkeys that year and in the years to come. Monkeys with a purpose of brightening other people’s lives the way he brightened ours.

    Navigating the grief of losing your loved one during the holidays is challenging on a good day and downright all consuming on a bad one.

    “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

    – Quote from an Irish headstone

    So how can you honor your departed loved one this holiday season?

    Allow their memory to live on.

    Find that personal thing that uniquely honors them. And then keep it alive. Allow it to warm other people’s hearts too.

    Maybe your loved one loved coffee, and you surprise the person behind you in the drive thru line by paying it forward. Or maybe it’s a donation to their favorite non-profit that cares for rescued animals since they always had an avid love for animals. Or perhaps it’s going as a family to volunteer at a retirement home because your loved one cared deeply about the elderly.

    Whatever that thing is, just do it (as Nike would say). Swoosh.

    You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how honoring their memory soothes your grieving heart too.

    PS: Don’t miss Part 3 of 3 in this series “Grace for the Holiday Griever” on receiving grace this holiday season. Subscribe here.

  • Unlocking A New Level of Strength

    “Why do you have a weird rock in your drawer?” my eleven year old daughter Sydney asked.

    Oh, the mysterious rock. I’ve been holding onto that rock for several years now.

    This rock birthed itself at a writing and speaking conference called She Speaks. At the end of the last session, they asked us to still our spirit and listen for one word from God to write on a rock.

    Joy has been my theme word for years. I’ve been on a journey towards joy to keep a promise I made to our 3 yr-old son Jenson before he passed. A promise that I’d be okay and would figure out how to live joyfully like he did.

    I felt confident about my word for that rock. Simple. Easy to write. Three letters.

    I opened my hands and shut my eyes more out of respect than anything. And then it came…

    Holy static.

    The wires must be crossed. Maybe I’m picking up the word for the person next to me. This is not my word.

    I quieted my spirit again and opened my hands ready to receive the “right word”.

    Again the same 13 letter clumsy word I almost never say, rarely think about, and for years have run from impressed itself. I closed my eyes one last time to triple check. Come on JOY.

    I reached for a Sharpie in the middle of the table and started writing my word on the rock. The first letter looked like an awkward “w” or a beginner trying to write a cursive “m”. The pen dipped into creases and crevasses I didn’t see on the surface. And there it was staring back at me…that word I love to hate.

    vulnerability (or wlnerability or mlnerability 🙂 )

    I started to chuckle. The rough edges of the rock took my normally neat handwriting and made it far from perfect. It looked amateur-esque like someone struggling to find their way. Just looking at it made me feel uncomfortable. Somewhat embarrassed. A bit exposed.

    Vulnerability is like that – it requires putting ourselves out there. It’s through our imperfections and broken places that God reveals his strength and glory. And as we take the risk to be vulnerable, we experience life, relationships, and joy on a deeper level. Yes it can be scary. But the downside of potential hurt sure beats a life of loneliness in a tower of isolation.

    As Brene’ Brown shares in her Ted Talk ‘The Power of Vulnerability’, people who connect most deeply with others do so as a result of authenticity. They “let go of who they should be for who they are.” They “believe what makes them vulnerable makes them beautiful”.

    Think of all the friends and people in your life you feel closest to. People who touched your heart in profound ways. The friends you want to grab coffee with and share the really-reallys of life.

    Did little Miss Perfect come to mind? More likely you thought of your friend telling a story about how she lost it with her husband and kids or the friend who laughed as she shared one of her most embarrassing moments like when she fell down the escalator at work face first (…more on this story in a future blog entry).

    We connect deepest with people who aren’t afraid to open up as the relationship progresses. People who share their real struggles and events that have deeply impacted them.

    So get ready to unlock a new level of strength and connection through vulnerability. Who is that friend you can open up more with? What is that crazy, embarrassing story you can share to help someone else know they aren’t alone?

    Risk being vulnerable.

     

     

  • Finding Your Unique Purpose

    The woman directly in front of me in aerobics class collapsed to the ground. I stood motionless in my white Reebok high tops shocked and conflicted – wishing I could help but knowing I’d do more harm than good. Another woman in our class moved with command towards the woman on the floor. She began giving CPR. If only I’d paid more attention in the lifeguard training class I took years before. The ambulance would arrive five minutes later, and the paramedics would comment the woman who administered CPR saved a life that day.

    This event would become my college speech class topic. I started out a bundle of nerves but once I got beyond myself, I passionately shared how normal moments can flip upside down in an instant. We either stand helpless as I did that day or we can step in and save a life. Over half the class would get CPR certified.

    Recently I got to speak to a group of 550 children’s healthcare providers to encourage them to be a bright spot in the lives of their patients. As I stood on that stage sharing our story, that amazing feeling of “I’m doing EXACTLY what I was created to do” overwhelmed my spirit again.

    And to make things even sweeter, on the same day I made that speech my husband Douglas also got a job offer that is a perfect fit for his passion.

    Have you ever experienced knowing you’re doing exactly what God designed you for? It’s the elusive feeling many long for but often fear moving towards. Status quo feels safer and at times seems easier.

    Here are 3 key ingredients for anyone thinking about making a big, bold life change:

    01.  Clarity

    Before you take a huge leap, you need some clarity to “find your why”. I’m not talking every single detail spelled out in Times New Roman bold font on a perfectly pulled together frame-able powerpoint file.

    What you’re looking for is something much simpler: high level clarity on your natural strengths, passions, and interests. Shoot for a goal of spending 80%+ of your future time doing things you enjoy.

    For me, getting clarity on my “why” started several years ago with some “what” questions:

    • At the end of my life, what do I want to be remembered for?
    • What are my unique God given gifts?
    • What gives me energy and what drains me?

    Inspiring growth through words is my personal mission. Once I had that statement written down, the future started to get clearer as writing, speaking, and encouraging others to grow naturally fit into it. Friends and family who know me best confirmed… yes, that sounds like you.

    For my husband Douglas, he loves cars. He enjoys anything with an international vibe. He’s a good listener and likes helping people. For years he’s struggled to figure out what to do career wise. Nothing seemed like the right fit.

    Then one random day nine months ago he said, “I think I might enjoy selling European cars.” The light bulb went off. Of course! How had we not seen this ten years earlier? We would mention it to friends and family and one consistent line keep coming back – “That is a great fit.”

    Like a pair of well tailored pants, you look and feel your best when you’re wearing something that fits you properly.

    02.  Courage

    For my fellow planners out there, this word can stir up the heebie jeebies. We plan, contingency plan, and then develop contingency plan B, C, and D. But you can’t be courageous if you spend all your time planning behind a desk and never move.

    “Beyond the fear lies everything we want.” — Benno Dorer

    Real courage comes from resting in the confidence where God guides, He will provide. Stepping out without all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed. Moving towards the future.

    You’ll never get to a new destination with your feet super-glued to the ground. At some point you have to jump.

    Phil Knight founder of Nike put it this way in his book “Shoe Dog”:  “I was following a path that felt like my path, and though I wasn’t sure where it would lead, I was ready to find out.”

    Even though we rarely know exactly where the path will take us, unless you step out you’ll never be on your way to a different future.

    03.  Community

    As you move towards something new, you’ll be best served to become a student again. Learn, learn, learn. Mastery comes from new knowledge and lots and lots and lots of practice (did I mention practice?).

    Who can become a new mentor or guide on your journey? Who can become a new friend pursuing something similar that you can connect with monthly to share ideas, lighten the learning curve, get feedback?

    “Two are better than one, for they have good return for their labor.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9

     

    You can make a change with some clarity, courage, and community to support you along the way. Find your why.

     

  • Enough With the Fear Factor

    “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasures you seek.”     — Joseph Campbell

    Fear can hold us back from some of the most exhilarating joy we’ll ever experience.  Fear whispers lies at us:

    “You can’t do that.”

    “Who do you think you are?”

    “Don’t even bother.  You’ll just fail.”

    Like a bully at the playground, fear pounces just as we get the courage to try something new like the monkey bars.  Fear taunts reminding us we feel uncomfortable.  Out of control.  Inexperienced.  It tries to bind us up like a steer roped in a rodeo and hold us back from doing things we really love.

    One thing I’ve always loved is music.  Powerful music cuts straight through to the heart.  My brain stores lyrics like novels of poetry.  Songs bring out the emotions of different seasons of life like a rallying cry to persevere when facing adversity, stay strong when feeling beaten down, or breakthrough on the journey to freedom.

    I’d sing in the shower, the car, in the aisles of Target, but definitely NOT in front of a group of people.  Maybe with a choir where I could hide out in the background.  But definitely not solo.  I’m no “Voice” contestant.  And who wants a spotlight highlighting your every vulnerable note as bunch of people stare you down and make you feel naked?

    I’d always admired people who had the courage to get up on a stage and pour out their heart through music.  I even gave it a brief try in a work band when we lived in Australia.  Then I got scared again.

    Fast forward eight years.

    A couple months after our son Jenson passed away, I decided enough is enough with the fear factor.  What’s the worst that could happen?  Massive embarrassment or failure?  While not pleasant, not life threatening either.

    So my daughter Sydney and I joined the kids worship team at our church.  I started in the background, and now can lead a weekend service for the kids.  Dancing, singing, and helping kids worship God.  A powerful, purposeful rush and something I’m honored to be a part of.  But it never would have happened without a courage pill.

    What is that thing you’ve always wanted to do or try?

    Maybe you’ve dreamed of owning your own business.  Maybe you’ve always wanted to travel abroad.  Or coach your child’s sports team.  Or start a blog. Or speak in front of a group.  Or start a non-profit.

    Whatever “that thing” is for you, take that first step.  Do it scared.  Body slam that fear to the ground.  Don’t let fear win.  Claim victory and discover a hidden treasure on the other side of fear.