Dare to be Bold

I’m not talking about “stupid” boldness where we take dangerous risks, but being bold for God, ourselves, and others. Yep! That’s me! I own it! Unlike the shy, timid, and insecure child that I was, hiding behind my mama, over time and with the help of my pushy husband, I came out of my cocoon. BTW, when I say my husband was “pushy”, I mean it as a compliment. He pushed me into becoming a strong, courageous, and bold wife, mother, teacher, musician, pilot, broker, speaker, and confident woman of God. I say this in all humility because I know who I was and where I came from. Whew!

Now, I surprise myself with the courage to walk into a room and go around introducing myself. Now, I see someone sitting alone and I don’t hesitate to go mingle with them. Now, I will step up to a group and sit myself right down with them and enter conversation. That may not impress you, but it sure does impress me! I know the alternative. I could be living in a stagnant, unrewarding “comfort zone”. There is safety there. Don’t get me wrong. I thoroughly enjoy having my space in my place. But, when it comes to interacting with others, I refuse to be closed off. Daring to be bold has transformed my life.

When my sweetheart passed on, I had to become a take-charge, confident, fearless, and BOLD gal. I always knew God was with me, but I no longer had a bodyguard or handyman or protector. I had to step it up. I played the “widow” card for as long as I needed to but before long, that card expired, and I had to step up to the plate and be a strong, resilient, and capable businesswoman, entrepreneur and coach to those who faced similar circumstances. I’m no longer plowing in the business field, but I am still in life on purpose for a purpose and I’m using all the “boldness” skills I learned. I have gone it on my own for almost eleven years now and I find myself amazed how far I’ve come from that little shy girl I once knew.

I know boldness can often come across as demanding, controlling, domineering. When we “go bold” on our own, it isn’t a pretty sight, and it doesn’t honor God. Boldness, in the hands of God, can be a gift. Young shepherd boy David was bold enough to conquer the giant. Queen Esther was so bold that she approached King Xerxes, though it could have meant her life. A young peasant girl, Mary, didn’t pass out when Gabriel showed up. She boldly said, “Yes” to being the mother of our Lord. And every time we step up and say “Yes” to projects, ministry opportunities, accepting positions beyond our skills, sharing God’s Good News, and standing in the gap for others in prayer, we are yielding to the voice of God and shutting down the voice of the enemy who demeans, intimidates and makes us feel “less than”.

I’m thanking God for victory over intimidation. I buried my inhibitions. Here’s God’s Word for you and me today: Joshua 1:9 says “This is my command: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” So, let’s be bold, be strong, for the Lord our God is with us.