By Rachel Dodge
Brave Women Series - Rachel's Story
When I was asked to write this article, my first thought was, “I’m not brave! What in the world can I write about?”
Typically, when I think of a brave woman, I think of women like Moses’ mother who sent her baby down the Nile in a woven basket (Exodus 2:3), Esther who put her life on the line and approached the king on behalf of her people (Esther 5:1), and Jael who hammered a tent peg into Sisera’s head (Judges 4:21). I think of women who do things I’m way too scared to do, women who have overcome overwhelming odds, women who are blazing a trail for God.
But as I pondered what it truly means to be brave, the Lord brought to mind all of the women I know and admire. Women who are doing incredibly courageous things each day, with little applause or acclaim, in their own way and in their own sphere.
"The Lord brought to mind all of the women I know and admire. Women who are doing incredibly courageous things each day, with little applause or acclaim, in their own way and in their own sphere."
And slowly my definition of a brave woman began to change. I began to see that bravery comes in various forms, and that every woman of God is called to her own specific kind of brave living. It’s not that any one of us is more brave or less faithful. It’s just that your brave will often look different than mine. Sometimes your easy will be my hard and vice versa. But we all need Jesus to help us take brave steps of faith in the areas where we lack courage.
"Your brave will often look different than mine. Sometimes your easy will be my hard and vice versa. But we all need Jesus to help us take brave steps of faith in the areas where we lack courage."
My new definition of a brave woman is simply this:
A brave woman is a woman who shows up every day to faithfully do what God has called her to do, trusting that He will strengthen and equip her for the task, even when it’s hard and even when it’s scary.
"A brave woman is a woman who shows up every day to faithfully do what God has called her to do, trusting that He will strengthen and equip her for the task, even when it’s hard and even when it’s scary."
With this definition in mind, I began compiling a list of all the things I see other women doing that I consider brave. As you read it, I hope you’ll recognize some of the brave women in your life. And I hope you will see yourself. Because even though you may not think of yourself as a brave woman, you’re doing brave things every day.
A brave woman shows up when she’d rather stay home.
A brave woman shoots for the moon and knocks on closed doors.
A brave woman lives with integrity and sets the bar high.
A brave woman puts herself out there, even when she’s been rejected before.
A brave woman tries new things and learns what she doesn’t know.
A brave woman takes her health seriously and takes good care of herself.
A brave woman picks up the phone when she’d rather ignore the problem.
A brave woman provides the sole income for her family when needed.
A brave woman single-parents her children like a boss when needed.
A brave woman waits patiently when she longs to be married.
A brave woman opens her heart to the orphan, to the child with special needs, to the teen with nowhere to go, to the elderly person with no family.
A brave woman tries again…despite fertility issues, pregnancy loss, and disappointment.
A brave woman serves when there is no one to say thank you.
A brave woman gives her body to pregnancy, to childbirth, to breastfeeding.
A brave woman stays up all night with sick kids and works all day the next day.
A brave woman knows God sees her.
A brave woman holds her tongue when she’d rather lash out.
A brave woman steps out of her comfort zone and doesn’t give up.
A brave woman asks for (and offers) forgiveness first.
A brave woman fights her battles on her knees.
A brave woman faces unwanted change with grit and determination.
A brave woman stands close to God through grief and loss.
A brave woman keeps going when she’s in pain, when she’s sick, when her heart is broken.
A brave woman asks for help and knows how to say no gracefully.
A brave woman knows her season. She knows when to slow down and simplify. She knows when to enlarge her tent and make room for more.
A brave woman opens her heart—to a new job, a new school, a new church, a new home.
A brave woman talks to a counselor about the thing she never talks about.
A brave woman fights for her marriage when she wants to give up.
A brave woman sets up an appointment for the checkup she’s been putting off.
A brave woman knows when to let go and when to move on.
A brave woman sets down really good things when God says it’s time.
A brave woman holds space when her bucket is empty, when she’s been pruned back.
A brave woman homeschools when everyone else is public schooling. A brave woman public schools when everyone else is homeschooling.
A brave woman trusts God will provide when finances are tight.
A brave woman prepares her older kids to leave the nest. And lets them go when it’s time.
A brave woman trusts that God has something more for her—beyond motherhood.
A brave woman prepares for tomorrow and looks to the future without fear.
A brave woman creates new traditions, new memories, and new friendships.
A brave woman believes God truly is working all things for her good.
A brave woman hopes against hope and stands on the promises of God.
A brave woman trusts that God has good plans for her life.
A brave woman knows God can do the impossible.
A brave woman believes the best is yet to come.
I could go on, but you get the idea. I hope you saw women you love and admire reflected in this list. I hope you’ll send it to a friend or family member and tell her why you think she’s brave. Most of all, I hope you saw a glimpse of yourself in this list.
Everyday faithfulness is brave. Your willingness to step out and do the hard thing is brave. Your belief that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you makes you brave.
You may not feel brave, but you’re much braver than you think.
"Your belief that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you makes you brave.
You may not feel brave, but you're much braver than you think."
Brave Woman Manifesto
Make sure to check back next week as another courageous Sister shares her story. And by the way...
You are Brave!
No matter what you are facing, God has made you in His image, which means He equips you with His courage, strength, and power. I would love to connect more and give you a FREE gift - the BRAVE WOMAN MANIFESTO: Five Things to Tell Yourself When Life Gets Hard. Click HERE to sign up for my monthly newsletter and you’ll receive the FREE Manifesto, as well as recent blog posts, updated resources and personal details delivered only to my empowered email tribe.
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About Rachel
Rachel Dodge is the bestselling author of the award-winning Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Her newest book is The Secret Garden Devotional! She teaches writing classes, speaks at conferences and retreats, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog. A true kindred spirit at heart, Rachel loves books, bonnets, and ballgowns. You can visit her online at www.RachelDodge.com, on Facebook, or on Instagram @KindredSpiritBooks.
Bravo!!!! I am blessed to be surrounded by brave women!