Boldly Moving from the Back Seat to the Front Seat

We’ve taken the back seat long enough. We’ve allowed others to drive us to places (figuratively speaking) where we really didn’t want to go. But because we’re good back seat listeners rather than front seat speakers, we are complacent, quiet, and seem agreeable to wherever they go and whenever they go there. Instead of sitting in the back seat, it’s time we took our place in the front seat and “steered” the conversation.

When my sweetheart passed away, I had to become a take-charge, confident, fearless and BOLD gal. I played the "widow" card for a while and it worked in negotiations for my new home, getting some special treatment for services and getting lots of TLC from friends and family. Before long, that card expired and I had to step up to the plate and be a strong, resilient and capable businesswoman, entrepreneur and coach to those who faced similar circumstances.

I know boldness can often come across as pushy. And when we "go bold" on our own, it isn't a pretty sight. You know those folks: demanding, controlling, domineering. Ugh! I do my best to steer clear of them and I sure don't want to be one of them, either. Those take-over approaches don't honor God and, in fact, they even repel when we want to draw folks in. We want to lift people up -- not bring them down.

Boldness, in the hands of God, can be such a gift. I love Queen Esther's boldness. She was willing to approach the throne of King Xerxes, though it could have meant her life. She said, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish," (Esther 4:16). What a role model for women in every century! But her plan was not her own. Before she put her life on the line to save her people, she wisely asked them to fast and pray, that she might be given favor by the king. And great favor she received.

Boldness can be risky business when we do it on our own. But when we allow God to be in the driver’s seat, we can rest assured He will take us to where we need to go and get there safely and in His perfect timing. We can trust Him completely without fear. In fact, we can leave the driving to him entirely – knowing the outcome is always in His capable hands.

I'm thanking God for giving me victory over intimidation and helping me in my quest for boldness. With His nudging and reminding me of His abilities in me, I sold two homes in Oklahoma and purchased a home in Texas. I left the driving to His capable hands. I’ve silenced the voices of intimidation and have boldly stepped into my seat of boldly blogging and speaking about God’s faithfulness and goodness.

When we let HIS boldness pour through us, we’ll discover, "He crowns the humble with victory," (Psalm 149:4). My crown is not the likes of Queen Esther, but it's one I wear proudly because it's one that God placed on my head and it's called the Crown of Boldness. I've learned not to hold back from sharing God's love to those who are hurting. Here's God's Word for you and I today: Joshua 1:9 "This is my command: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." So, let's be bold, be strong, for the Lord our God is with us....and, like Queen Esther...."for such a time as this!"

And God Said, "Ta-da!"

When my granddaughter was little, she loved wearing princess dresses. Right from the start, she was introduced to princess-dom because her room and crib were all arrayed in princess décor. Even at our home, we had a frilly, girly room with all kinds of reminders of how special she was to us. After all, she was our only granddaughter, amongst five boys. So Alexia knew, right from the start, that she was special. Even today, we continue to remind her how beautiful, precious and special she is.

I thought about all that when I read an article by one of my favorite authors, Liz Curtis Higgs. The article was entitled “And God Said, “Ta da!”

I love that. God made the earth. God made the stars, the moon, the oceans, the dry ground. He made man and woman. And the scripture that followed was “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31). In essence, God said, “Ta da!” It’s like the dramatic entrance of royalty into the court when a servant announces “I present to you…..” God made the announcement “What I made is very good! Ta da! And THAT includes YOU!”

My post today is to remind all my friends that God says “Ta-da! I present (add your name here) and I call her/him very good!” Maybe you’re not feeling so “ta da-ish” today, but maybe you should. Psalm 149:4 says “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people.” You bring Him pleasure. Maybe you don’t feel so beautiful, but maybe you need to be looking at YOU through your Father’s eyes. He doesn’t simply accept you, forgive you or put up with you. He delights in you. Think about this “As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will God rejoice over you.” Isaiah 62:5

My grandson will be marrying his precious fiancé on October 1st. I can hardly wait to see the look in his eyes when she comes down the aisle. It will, no doubt be a “Ta-da!” moment. You better believe that he’ll be rejoicing over his bride…….but nothing can compare to the rejoicing that God has over us.

When God looks at you and me, He doesn’t evaluate us based on our family history, or how cute and spunky we are, or how popular we are. He doesn’t consider our education, our resume OR even our bank balance. What may impress others, doesn’t impress God. None of that changes how He values us. In fact, whether we behave well, or not, His love for us is unconditional. He doesn’t love us because we’re wealthy or smart or good. He loves us because we’re HIS! “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called Children of God” 1 John 3:1

I started this post out talking about my granddaughter and how she has grown up knowing how precious and special she is to us. Let me give YOU some good news. God says “YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL and precious and special – not just slightly attractive, but BEAUTIFUL. My mom used to say “Pretty is as pretty does.” I remember those words and they are true, but whether we are on our best behavior or not, God sees us BEAUTIFUL, because we look JUST LIKE OUR DAD. “God (Dad) created mankind in His own image.” Genesis 1:27. And that includes you AND me.

God doesn’t compare us to others. We are a unique work of His creation. And we are His definition of BEAUTIFUL. Isn’t it time we see ourselves as God sees us?

Maybe it’s time for us to stand in front of the mirror (this exercise may work better with clothes on – LOL!) and say it like we mean it…..”Ta-da!” And the ultimate “Ta-da” comes when we know that we know that our Father is holding his outstretched arms and announcing His daughter or son with the greatest pride and joy any Father could have “I see what I have made, and she/he is VERY GOOD!”

Dare to be Bold

Yesterday, my post was about the willingness to get out of our comfort zone. In other words...dare to be BOLD!

When my sweetheart passed away, I had to become a take-charge, confident, fearless and BOLD gal. I played the "widow" card for a while and it worked in negotiations for my new home, getting some special treatment for services and getting lots of TLC from friends and family. Before long, that card expired and I had to step up to the plate and be a strong, resilient and capable business woman, entrepreneur and coach to those who faced similar circumstances.

I know boldness can often come across as pushy and even arrogant. And when we "go bold" on our own, it isn't a pretty sight. You know those folks: demanding, overpowering, controlling, domineering. Ugh! I do my best to steer clear of them and I sure don't one to be one of them, either. Those take-over approaches don't honor God and, in fact, they even repel when, we want to draw folks in. We want to lift people up -- not bring them down.

Boldness, in the hands of God, can be such a gift. I love Queen Esther's boldness. She was willing to approach the throne of King Xerxes. She said, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish," (Esther 4:16). What a role model for women in every century! But her plan was not her own. Before she put her life on the line to save her people, she wisely asked them to fast and pray, that she might be given favor by the king. And great favor she received.

Boldness can be risky business when we do it on our own. But when God leads the way, we can follow Him without fear, knowing the outcome is always in His capable hands.

I'm thanking God for giving me victory over intimidation and helping me in my quest for boldness. With His nudging and reminding me of His abilities in me, I sold my home and built a new home, I started a business that changed my life and many others, I started a Life Group (Bible Study) in my home, I've joined women's groups where I can raise my hand to volunteer, I've become a leader in other groups, I put down my inhibitions and shyness (yes, I once was shy) and now I publicly speak to many various audiences about God's goodness.

When we let HIS boldness pour through us, we’ll discover, "He crowns the humble with victory," (Psalm 149:4). My crown is not the likes of Queen Esther, but it's one I wear proudly, because it's one that God placed on my head and it's called The Crown of Boldness. I've learned not to hold back from sharing God's love to those who are hurting. Here's God's Word for you and I today: Joshua 1:9 "This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or ... do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." So, let's be bold, be strong, for the Lord our God is with us....and, like Queen Esther...."for such a time as this!"