Brave Sacrifice (WOTY)

With brave as my word of the year (WOTY), maybe God was preparing me to do hard things this year. I think as we approach the end of the year and I consider what bravery I’ve shown, it has more to do with the knowing – knowing the presence of God. Because in the presence of God, bravery is easier.

I have been reminded that the hard things of life are the sacrifices. The choice of putting family before work. The choice of not reaching goals because the people around me are more important. The reset that is required when what was planned is no longer possible. Some things are not physically possible within certain timeframes; and that is just fine. It was the “just fine” part that took bravery – changing what I wanted for what was best at that time. Because people and relationships are important, I chose bravery.

I know I am speaking in vague terms here. But maybe you too have sacrificed for relationship. And I would do the same thing again. Ann Voskamp talks about her ah-ha moment of the definition of “sacrifice” in her book Waymaker. It is about connection. Sacrifice is about connection. It isn’t just a “must”, but it is a choice because one thing (person) is more important than the other. My family is absolutely more important than my work.

I chose connection. Then I had to bravely face the knock-on effects of what that connection meant to me. I’ve re-arranged goals and accepted that that is not happening this year, maybe next. But I am pleased with that choice, that connection and would choose over and over again that person.

I thought I would share some music with you. I found three Christian songs that were all titled “Brave”, but honestly none of them touched me. But this one did. I hope you enjoy Colton Dixon’s “Made to Fly”. We were made to fly, and that takes the bravery of risking all with God.