Linking up with my writing friends over at Lisa Jo’s for another FMF. Today’s word is BRAVE and I am happy to report that I was able to write a poem for you this week in Five minutes (since the last few weeks I have gotten off of my usual writing style). Today’s poem started out one way and pulled me in a different direction by the end. It is so interesting to see what happens when you write straight through without stopping to think or back track! If you have never tried freely writing in a time frame without over analyzing what’s coming out, it might be a fun experiment for you too. On to today’s inspiration then!
Go
A Different Definition of Brave
I think that often when we think of the word Brave
we picture people who are fearless.
People who are STRONG
people who are capable.
People who seem like they handle life so well-
all of the ups and downs,
Without much distress.
People who can do –
Anything.
And we think that WE can’t BE that.
But there is a different kind of brave.
There is a brave that has a delicate strength-
Like the tiny buds of Spring
emerging from Winter hard soil.
Dying off for a season,
but always coming back.
Always re-blooming.
There is a kind of brave that sheds tears-
That allows them to spill over despite their discomfort.
That sits with the sorrow and Understands pain.
Yet Doesn’t give up because of the knowing
that tears cleanse the soul
and tomorrow will be better.
There is a kind of brave that is meek and lowly of spirit-
That turns the other cheek,
and speaks in tones of humility.
Admitting that they cannot Conquer
Alone.
Brave is not always bold.
Brave is not always loud.
It does not always shout-
” I am not afraid!”
It does not have to declare its strength
like a roaring lion about to meet its prey.
No , Sometimes Brave whispers-
in a voice so low we can scarcely hear it.
Like a fading echo bouncing off rocks into nowhere,
So distant that we may not recognize that voice as our own.
And yet it is there-
in its sometimes small and timid voice
that says, “I AM afraid” .
and I don’t have all the answers,
But HE does.
And therein lies my strength.
©Rebekah Ann Stephenson 2013
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for Thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
Stop
Source: facebook.com via Cori on Pinterest
As I was writing this today, God’s handiwork must have been present, as this wound up very different than I expected. It left me thinking about how the secular world often defines brave, and how the spiritual world (bible) defines brave. When the line came to me about being meek of spirit, I was thinking of how meek and lowly (humble) of spirit is often viewed as “weak” and lacking courage. Yet meekness is one of the fruits of the spirit. There is lots of scripture I was led to on this topic if you feel like thinking on it further. Such as:
Numbers 12:3 – Moses was very meek, above all men on face of the earth.
Matthew 11:29,30 – Jesus said, “I am meek and lowly in heart.”
Matthew 5:5 – Blessed are the meek (gentle – NKJV), for they shall inherit the earth. Jesus declares a “blessing” (happiness) on those who are meek.
and Isaiah 57:15.
I will leave the reader to delve in to that more if you wish 🙂 HERE is a link I stumbled upon that has an entire article written on meekness and humility if you are interested in this topic. I personally found it interesting and you may like it as well.
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Beautiful!!! You have captured the essence of brave so very well. Blessings 🙂
Yes, there is another kind of bravery. I think the true kind. That is that has a delicate kind of strength. Like you said; that is sooo afraid, but still step out! Beautiful.
Blessings from your FMF neighbor
Mia
🙂 Blessings back to you Mia.
Lovely.
This was such a beautiful picture of bravery. Your words are soothing to the soul! Thanks!
You are so welcome. I enjoy reaching out to comfort or help another if I can :). Thanks for stopping by!
Love where this poem took you, Rebekah. I totally agree. {No surprise in that!} There IS strength in the silence. Bravery to face ALL is found there.
No there isn’t Paula. I would say we are a bit of a kindred spirit :). Thanks for visiting as always.
I am always amazed at those of you who can write poems much less write in 5 minutes and it be so beautiful and touching. Thanks for sharing
I thought what you wrote this week was beautiful and touching too. Thank you for stopping by to comment so I could see what you wrote too! Have a wonderful weekend.
What a beautiful poem. Yes, Brave speaks in a whisper — and the whisper isn’t from me, but Him.
I’m glad I stopped over from FMF.
Sarah
I am glad you did too :D. Nice having you and I also enjoyed your poem.
I’m not usually a poem person, even free verse, but I really liked yours! Thanks!
Well thank you :). I appreciate you taking the time to read a poem then 😉 and am glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving an encouraging comment.
Hey Reb! 😉
I gotta miss this FMF again cause I had exams on Saturday morning 🙁 The next two weeks are gonna be busy ~
Love your poem! So happy you’re able to find inspiration and to write as the Spirit leads 🙂
The poem holds so much truth (relates to what I do question about in my head and heart haha!) and you’ve displayed it in a literary form which makes it even more engaging because of the techniques. Wee~ 🙂
xoxo!
Esther
Hey there Esther! Busy here too, and only going to get busier with parties coming up for Mother’s Day and company coming. I will try to email back this week ;). I looked for your FMF, but I know school has you busy, so no worries. Will look forward to you writing with me and all of the wonderful FMF ladies again when you can! Thanks for your kind comments. I think God meant this poem for me to see too ;). I love playing around with different literary methods and writing styles. SO fun! So I am hopping over to see your post, because I am wondering now what you would do if you were an inventor. 😀
This is my first time to visit your blog.
I love that you wrote your Five Minute Friday post in poetry – it was beautiful! I’m also loving that there is gold sprinkle dust joyfully falling as I write and wander around this place! 😉
Thank you for kindly including the added material to dig into!
Be Inspired!
Warm Welcomes Pinky Vern, so glad to have you visiting! I like that..it’s a unique name :). I have to sprinkle my visitors with a little magic when they come for a visit you know -(feel free to make a wish while you are here as sometimes the fairies do grant wishes 😉 ). The world needs sparkle! You are welcome and I hope you enjoy the added study material as well. Let’s Be inspired together. Cheers!