Day 16: Brave enough to believe who He says I am.

We walked around a room filled with pictures. Pictures of scenes, people, places and objects. The assignment: to identify a picture that best represents who you believe God's called you to be. Eyes searching, heart prayerfully inquiring, my vision centered on a painting. I smiled. The identity bestowed on my heart that I was unable to put into words was discovered in this painting. 

Brave. It's the reason I've started this 30 day writing adventure {30 days of Brave}. Down deep, when I quiet my soul and practice stillness, I have heard His voice speaking my calling into existence. 

What is calling? Sometimes we complicate things. We wait for a neon sign or writing in the sky to reveal Heaven's master plan for our lives. In the meantime we sit. We passively wait. We miss sacred moments. I think calling is beautifully complex yet uncomplicated. It teams up with the command to make disciples, unlocking bold and powerful effectiveness in the Kingdom. 

I am called to lead; to inspire and influence by being a teacher and an encourager. I know this because of the way that these things bring my heart to life. I know this because of the wisdom of wiser, older souls who've spoke meaning into risks and experiences. And yet...nothing scares me more. 

There is a maze of insecurity to wander through on my journey to follow a calling. What if I misstep? How do I lead as a woman? What if others misunderstand? And I shrink, smaller, safer, quieter. Sometimes who He says I am doesn't fit into my neat, tidy box of how I think things should be. 

I take these questions to my Maker. Like this picture, He raises my chin and raises my fist in the air, commanding me to bravely be who He who He says I am. My heart still pounds, hands still shake, but I've discovered something comforting. You can grow into calling. The Giver bestows identity, breathes encouragement, and with time I can become who He says I am. I am a work in progress. I am  unfinished. I am already but not yet that woman who leads with grace and boldness. 

All it takes is time and a whole lot of brave.