Meditations from Zion

Day Two – Lent

2 Timothy 1:7   For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. [NLT]

Mary Geisen quotes author, Annie Downs, “There is no formula and there are no rules. There is the Bible, our guidebook for all things, but other than that, being brave is organic and spiritual and a unique journey for each person.”

Geisen adds, that we can usually identify moments of brave faith when we are most uncomfortable. In other words, we have stepped out of our “box,” our comfort zone and we are navigating new terrain. One’s comfort zone can be large or small, but whenever we step out, it’s a step of faith.

I have always been tuned in to people’s feelings. Unfortunately, my response is usually to make them feel better, to make peace, to avoid conflict. I will be the chameleon. And although that can be a useful tactic, there are also times when I need to stand strong. Instead, I want to be liked, to be appreciated. I don’t want people to be angry with me and so I will adapt to the moment, edit my words, and so forth. It’s the way of the cowardly lion.

Some of this discomfort happened this year after the U.S. election of Donald Trump. I have never been a political person before, but this was a turn of events that frightened and angered me. I decided to get out of the comfort zone of being apolitical, of being an “independent,” and of not alienating people who were more conservative and happy with their new president. It has been a painful process to lose connections, to be mocked for my opinion, to be called a liar, to be called out for not matching the views of many evangelicals. My faith in Jesus Christ has been questioned publicly because of my political stand.

I continue to pray for wisdom and for truth and for protection for our country. I don’t feel particularly brave in this arena, but it is definitely uncomfortable.