Who’s got your back?

Back in October I admitted to you in this post that I have allowed fear to keep me from pursuing things I believe God wants me to do.

About a week before I wrote that post I was introduced to an online community called (in)courage. Every time I clicked on one of their devotionals I was challenged to quit wallowing about what I couldn’t do and go do what I could…with gusto.

(in)courage  is comprised of women who don’t hide their frustrations and failures in an attempt to seem perfect. By sharing their hurts they open the door for more of us to find the Healer right along with them. In being real they highlight who we really need. 

God is using their authenticity to move mountains. Gals just like us (with dinner burning, roots showing, and kids bickering) are using the gifts entrusted to their care to pierce holes in the darkness and let God shine into their corners of the world. Why should I do less?

So, I prayerfully plucked up my nerve and submitted samples of my writing across the web. Guess what?! (in)courage is going to run one of my pieces next month! Did you see my Jig o’ Joy  through that screen of yours???

I share this not to “toot my own horn,”  but to highlight how vital it is for us to surround ourselves with strong role models who burst our comfort bubbles. Godly mentorship should come primarily from our local churches, but when daily life leaves you droopy and your bravery needs a boost:

Monday they are opening registration for a face-to-face, meet-your-online-friends-in-real-life-party. It’s free, and you get an encouraging perpetual calendar, an e-book, and downloadable prints just for signing up. The event is a simulcast Bible study on the topic of community (led by some of my favorite authors, designers, & bloggers) hosted in homes of local women who want to build each other up. Consider it a free retreat with girlfriends you haven’t met yet! How fun is that?

You’ve got the weekend to check it out before you decide. I hope you’ll click on the banner below to watch the trailer, check out the (in)courage community, and be comforted and challenged by the sisterhood there.   If you subscribe to their free daily devotionals, you’ll automatically be entered each month to win $100 worth of gifts/decor from Dayspring.  Hopefully all of that free stuff will encourage you to go find some encouragement at (in)courage!