My friend Ben aka “the little brother I always wanted” has always been a huge fan of the Wizard of Oz. I don’t know what it is about the movie; the fantasy, the imagination, the good guys winning, etc that is his favorite. Whatever the reason, I have come to really enjoy this movie as well. Yes, there are many scary aspects to the movie but the scary stuff is outweighed by the good stuff! 🙂
I love all the characters in the movie, but my fave is the cowardly lion; this one who is in need of courage. Yet when they come to the wizard, the wizard tells him that he has always had “courage.”
As a reminder, this is what the Wizard said to the cowardly lion, “As for you, my fine friend — you’re a victim of disorganized thinking. You are under the unfortunate delusion that simply because you run away from danger, you have no courage. You’re confusing courage with wisdom! Back where I come from though we have men who are called heroes. Once a year, they take their fortitude out of mothballs and parade it down the main street of the city. And they have no more courage than you have. But — They have one thing that you haven’t got! A medal! Therefore, for meritorious conduct, extraordinary valor, conspicuous bravery against Wicked Witches, I award you the Triple Cross. You are now a member of the Legion of Courage!” (Wizard of Oz; imdb.com)
The lion stands his ground many times throughout the movie. I want to be more like the cowardly lion! So my friends, with that in mind, my oneword 365 for 2015 is “brave.” According to Mirriam Webster’s dictionary, the word brave as an adjective is defined as: “having or showing courage,” or “making a fine show.” And then as a verb, it means “to face or endure with courage” or “obsolete; to make showy.” The word brave also is a noun “one who is brave.” Each of these definitions hit me in the gut. Last year my one word 365 was gentle and I was definitely shaped by that word. However there were a few times last year when I thought my one word should have been “courage.”
And this year, I feel like my word “brave” chose me. It is one of those words that just kept coming back to me and I knew it was meant to be my word this year. It is a word that was a huge part of my write 31 days journey. I think often being brave also means being vulnerable! I am excited (and perhaps even a little scared) to see where brave will lead me in 2015.
I don’t need a medal. However I’ll admit that it would be pretty cool to own my very own medal! I need to show courage. I am not sure what that might look like. But I do hope that I am able to parade with courage; with bravery. As a single 36 year old female, I am tired of waiting for my Mr. Right. I am weary. I yearn so deeply to be a momma. Perhaps being brave for me will mean looking at other options; adoption, etc. I have no idea where this word will lead me in 2015 but I do know that it will shape me and who I am. And I will continue to pray for the ways that God might shape me as I live into this word this year.
And I think this song by Sara Barielles will be my oneword theme song for this year! It’s such a catchy video and song…and I indeed want to be brave!
Oh, Tara, I hear the longing in your heart in this piece. I think a year of brave could lead you to some really amazing places. And I am praying God reveals what they are in splendor and grace. Be brave! We'll be here to cheer you on! (PS–Have you read Annie Downs' book? I think it would be a great kick off to your year and her story would resonate with you.)
Colleen, thank you! I think it could lead me to some really amazing places too! I am glad to have you all cheering me on! I have not read Annie Down's book but looked it up on my Kindle last night. I think it could be a great way to kick off my year too! Thanks for that recommendation!
Beautiful! My words are Fear Not so very similar. Medals are great and my granddaughter says we should all have one because we are warriors! From warrior to another…PressOn!
Yes, our words are indeed similar. Press on to you too!
I loved how used the cowardly lion used to share how you came to your word for 2015. I have been debating on if I should focus on one word, but was scared to make the commitment. Maybe I need to be brave like you. Thanks for sharing.
Amanda, thank you! I think you should be brave too.
I love your #oneword choice of brave. I look forward to seeing what God will do in your life as you focus on this word. I thought of Joshua 1:9 as I read your post. "Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Thank you for your friendship.
Jo, that is such a great verse. Thanks for reminding me of it. Thank you for your friendship too!
May you be bold and brave and walk in the Lords light this year 🙂
Amen!
Wonderful!!!
🙂
Oh Tara…I loved this! I'm hopping over today from Angie Ryg's Inspire Me Monday. I was tickled to see you are from ND (I'm from SD…whoo hoot!) More than anything though I loved your candor and BRAVE transparency. Thank you for sharing!
Cindy, thank you!
Be brave, and "do it scared"! May God bless you on this great adventure with Him to learn what it means to be brave!!
"Do it scared." Those words really jumped out at me today Lisa. I will have to remember that. Thanks for stopping by.
Good for you! For accepting the word and for taking the first step by bravely sharing your dreams with us. May God guide you and direct you as you journey into your word.
Thanks. That word still makes me shake in my boots! Yes, may God guide me and direct me as I journey into my word this year.
Being brave is facing those fears and you are amazing simply because you're choosing to try! God's blessings as you step up to be brave!
Carol, thank you!
You are already so brave, my friend and I am SO glad you mentioned your 31 Days journey because the moment I saw your word choice, I immediately thought of how brave you were to write what you did 🙂 I know you may not feel brave, but you really are. I am praying for you that God uses this word to show you, like the Cowardly Lion, how brave you really are and to increase your braveness and boldness for Him! I am very grateful for your courage in sharing your journey this past October because if you hadn't been so brave, we might never have met! Love you!
I think in some ways, yes I am brave, but there are some things I so chicken about. Thank you for the prayers. I like how you worded that request. True, we never would have met if I wasn't brave and shared my story in Oct. Love you too!
Hi there! I'm part of the #brave tribe this year. I definitely understand the scary part of 'brave' being vulnerable, which is something I want to grow in myself! Thanks for sharing and for reminding me that Sara B has an awesome song play throughout the year!
That is neat that you are part of the #brave tribe this year too. Thanks for stopping by.