Today’s prompt: Brave
GO:
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Is it brave? To believe in that which we don’t see? To trust that God continues to work behind the scenes, even when circumstances feel hopeless? I think maybe it is. Not in the big, exciting way that we think of bravery – with uniforms and news headlines – but in a way that is quiet. Subtle. A bravery that starts with a small step.
I don’t know how else to be, if I’m honest. I need the bravery of faith. The hope of things unseen because the things I can see aren’t very hopeful. I need to know that someone else has it under control. That I don’t need to push harder, pursue more, risk more, sprinkle with glitter and do everything in my power to make it happen.
I need to know that being brave means stopping. It means resting in the arms of the Father while He does the work. I need to remember that sometimes being brave just means doing the thing again. Showing up, even when you don’t want to. Smiling and responding like Christ, when the enemy tells you that your way would be much more rewarding. Having faith in God’s promises when I can’t see anything happening.
STOP
Side note: Teacher Appreciation Day is May 7th & Mother’s Day is May 12th. I have a Stella & Dot Trunk Show open until the 18th and I can promise teachers & moms will love these beautiful (and affordable!) gifts 🙂 Click here to shop!

Want to join or just want to know what Five Minute Friday is all about? Head over to Lisa Jo’s blog and find out 🙂 And while you’re there, be sure to visit & leave some comment love (no lurking!) for the other bloggers who linked up!
That is most certainly brave. I reckon that any act of proclaiming what you believe in (or don’t) is brave.
this quiet bravery is the stuff of obedience…the silence, the small steps, even the stillness and stopping- all of it matters to Him. He…sees…and takes care of it all. I loved this post.
i have read a couple of the ‘Brave’ entries this morning and a common stream seems to be the idea of ‘do the next thing’ or ‘take the next step’. Sometimes just living the common everyday is brave…cause sometimes no one knows the darkness that you are fighting on the inside, and getting up and going is the brave answer to overcome the fear that overwhelms and step forward knowing that He carries us and He has the strength that we don’t have.
Howdy, Crystal! I repeatedly see your lovely face first on the linky-list of FMFs. Wanted to “meet” you today!
Great post. True thoughts. I agree–what we see around us isn’t very hopeful. Like you, I need “the bravery of faith.” Brave faith keeps me praying to God for the smallest worries.
Bravery is a big thing that shows up in our life in small ways. Great post about that very fact. I’m with you sister, living this moment to moment brave faith clinging life.
Subtle bravery- what a beautiful concept!
Love your heart, Crystal! And thank you for the prayers!!!
Thanks Jennifer!
We walk that waiting road together Dawn…it’s hard and narrow but we have an amazing Guide.
It’s been 11 hours since you posted this, and I’m praying that your day was full of rest!
so kind, thank you Denise!
thanks Brie!
from you, friend? that means a lot!
i’m so glad you stopped by 🙂
It’s the hardest choice I think I make every day – so thankful for grace on the days my flesh chooses to take the easier road
thank you Beth!
Your words are simply beautiful! A beautiful picture of bravery. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Yes! Being brave means stopping…resting in the arm of the Father…
So true. Everyday bravery is laying down our lives. Love that beautiful truth…it sounds simple, but it’s fight.
How I need your picture of brave in every moment! Thanks.
Beautiful, brave girl!
Brave means stopping and letting Him do the work. Thanks for reminding me!!
Beautifully said.
Your words stir my soul this morning. I’ll be resting in braveness with the Father today.
I long to be brave and guess God is allowing that in me as He stretches me to trust and believe that which I don’t see and hope for that which is not yet. Beautiful post.
Thank you! I took that in our backyard…actually that tree is now covered in little pink puffball flowers, so I think I need to take another. The snazzy sunspot “might” be from PicMonkey 😉
ooh she made it tricky this week, with the early prompt 😉 I love it though!
Oh I love that idea!
Amen!
Aw thanks girl
Ah yes…the enemy likes to convince us that first step is too scary to keep us stuck where we are. So glad to walk with such brave dreamers & writers who hold my hand when that step seems out of reach!
{fist bump} awesome sauce 🙂
Oh I love that verse so much!
Thanks Karrilee!
You know, I keep thinking about doing a vlog so you could actually “hear” the words, but goodness, can you imagine what a mess a Five Minute Friday vlog would be? Yikes. Maybe I’ll save it for another day 🙂
Thanks Barbie..praying this weekend finds you time to slow down & trust that He’s got your back 🙂
Girl, stop…you’re going to make me blush…thank you for those kind words!
Yes! Exactly 🙂
“Responding to Christ.” I love it! Beautiful words:).
Beautiful words and powerful reminder that the greatest thing we can give the Father is our faith and trust!
This speaks straight to my heart friend…and you for the record, I think you are incredibly brave. I admire you from afar…I really do!
This “I need to know that being brave means stopping. It means resting in the arms of the Father while He does the work.” So resonated with me today. Thank you!
Truth, truth, truth. Oh my goodness this is beautifully written, and I needed to hear (read) it.
Yes – I am loving the connection between faith/believing and being Brave!
To trust and to wait both take such bravery but it comes a little easier when we know the one we are waiting one. Isa 43:18-19 has became an encouragement to me as I waited for over a year for a job.
I just like being neighbors with you on FMF. 🙂 Too bad it isn’t (in)RL! Ha. See what I did there? 🙂 🙂 Anywho – waiting takes bravery. To have patience, faith, trust in the still times. To just BE still. Love your heart, friend.
To trust takes great courage. And isn’t it the fear that tries to steal that first step away from us? Wonderful post friend. Blessings.
So much yes to this! I adore your heart.
Yes yes yes! I’ve never thought of it as being brave, but you are absolutely right. It takes a lot of courage to take that first step and to trust. But it is oh so worth it.
That is my FAVORITE verse. My absolute fav. I had it on my rearview mirror of my car so I could be reminded at all times. Love this post. Amen, girl, amen.
I love the picture of quiet bravery…it’s so true that sometimes we need to be brave enough to stop and just rest in His arms. LOVE that. (And what a race…awesome job, FMF ninja!) 😉 Happy Friday!
First of all: fantastic photo.
Having faith is one of the harder, braver, things I think I have accomplished in my life. Be brave, Crystal!!