Day Four: Be Brave

"I have been called brave, what is brave?  Let me clarify this.  Of course we all know that it is short for bravery.  That goes without even being said.  It is also a symbol of another thing.  It is a symbol of doing one's duty, not matter what is scaring him personally." -The Ghost and Mr. Chicken

This movie is a family favorite, and I could not talk about being brave without showing this clip.  Honestly, how many of us feel like a Luther Heggs?  We are not always the best public speakers, and sometimes when we plan something, it seems like it blows away in the wind, and we are left to our own intelligence.

I know there are a small few who feel like a Katniss Everdeen or a Captain Moroni, but many of us, do not feel like them.  We feel as if when hard times come, we will do our best, but we probably won't be the shining leaders that save lives and change lives.  As I was reading today, I found that we have felt this way too long. 

You have self-esteem

  I think there is some unwritten falsehood that self-esteem is to look good continually, cook amazing even on lazy days, have a great paying job, make a million dollars, and do it all with a smile on your face because, I am like so totally self confident, okay?!! #fabulous #can't bring me down #I love love love myself!!

Elder James E. Faust gave a wonderful true definition of self-esteem.  He said
"The self-esteem to which I refer is something different.  It is not blind, arrogant, vain love of self, but it is self-respecting, unconceited, honest esteem of ourselves.  It is born of inner piece and strength."

That means that I won't always feel awesome, because I will make mistakes- but I am honest with myself, and my worth, or esteem isn't based on my muscles, the perfection of my makeup or the cleanliness of my house.  It is based on the fact that I am a daughter of God.  My confidence is truly because I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13).

I am brave
If you saw the stack of dishes I have to do today, you might not consider me brave.  The real brave ones are the ones fighting for our country, fighting cancer, fighting for freedom right?  Right, but they are not the only ones.  It takes bravery to wake up every morning and serve your kids when you feel like you aren't a good mother.  It takes bravery to face your family when you have been laid off from your job.   The truth is, there are many ways to be brave, but the truest measure of bravery, is how close a person can become like Christ.  I think it takes courage to be kind, to love, to follow Christ.  I am not perfect, but if my self-esteem is not based on my achievements, or the amount of friends I have on facebook---but rather, the truth of who I am- I am a brave person.  I have fought off Satan, and the worst inside of myself.  The battle still continues, but I am fighting and with Christ I cannot fail.  So I am brave.

And now I am going to go do those dishes!  Let me clarify this...thank you for having me.



EXTRA CREDIT:
Stawart and Brave We Stand: Marvin J Ashton October 1989
Hymn 255 "Carry On"
Peter, My Brother: Spencer W. Kimball