Dare to be Bold
Yesterday, my blog was about the willingness to get out of the boat and walk on water. Well, not really a boat, unless God told us to (like Peter). I meant, stepping out of our intimidation and comfort zones and “I can’t” zones. Today, I’m taking it a step further!
When my sweetheart passed on, I had a choice to make. As a new widow, I had the right to go inward and withdraw into a world of grief and despair. After all, grief counselors tell new widows to “Take as long as you want to grieve. It’s up to you.” I decided that I wasn’t going to be that widow. My husband completed his God-given assignment. It was time, now, to complete MY assignment.
I purposed to become a confident, fearless, and bold widow. I played the “widow” card for a while and it worked in negotiations for my new home, getting some special treatment for services and getting lots of TLC from friends and family. But, before long, that “card” expired. I had to step up to the plate and be a strong, resilient, and capable businesswoman and coach to those who faced similar circumstances.
I know boldness can often come across as pushy. And when we “go bold” on our own, it isn’t a pretty sight. You know those folks: demanding, controlling, domineering. Ugh! I do my best to steer clear of them and I sure don’t one to be one of them, either. Those take-over approaches don’t honor God, and, in fact, they even repel when, we want to draw folks in. We want to lift people up — not bring them down.
Boldness, in the hands of God, can be a beautiful gift. I love Queen Esther’s boldness. She was willing to approach the throne of King Xerxes, though it could have meant her life. She said, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish,” (Esther 4:16). She was a role model for women AND men in every century!
But Queen Esther’s plan was not her own. Before she put her life on the line to save her people, she wisely asked them to fast and pray, that she might be given favor by the king. And great favor she received.
Boldness can be risky business when we do it on our own. Boldness with kindness, sincerity, and the love of God in the mix, is boldness that opens hearts. When God leads the way, we can step out in confidence without fear, knowing the outcome is always in His capable hands.
Remembering the BOLD ONE lives big in us, if we allow HIS boldness pour through us, we’ll be used by God in making a difference in many people’s lives.
Joshua said it like this: “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.” (Joshua 1:9) So, let us be bold and strong, for the Lord our God is with us!