Strand #1

As I hike, as I write, my mother cares for my dying father. Patiently, lovingly, sacrificially with a grief held at bay constantly threatening to break through. This kind of Brave is a kind that has always been. Life and Death. Love and Loss. Partnership to Aloneness. It is far from unique but seeing it this close - this personal - I encounter the rawness and depth of human suffering.

One more surprise from Dad as he rallied again ready for UNO, jokes, McDonald's and guns. *

Strand #2

A friend abandons her valiant attempt at a fresh start in a new state, a new job, a chance to leave behind status quo and pursue life. Grave Opposition pushes too hard while at the same time family responsibilities tug with such force she cannot stay. So, with moving truck reloaded and car in tow, alone she sets a brave face toward a future that continues to blur stubbornly refusing to come into focus.  

"A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows that it is in the journey where she will become strong." - Luke Easter

Strand #3

Silent tears make their way over the flushed cheeks of a young woman. A coworker praises her character in the presence of peers. She is being recognized for her integrity, wisdom, compassion and bravery. Her tears are expressions of confusion, heartbreak and a yearning to believe. Can she overcome the resounding clash between what is real and what Life has recently told her? Her reality tells her these words cannot be true for the one person who swore to love and cherish her forever has done the opposite. In spite of betrayal these shreds of truth heard in the words of others will be just the balm required to continue creating a vibrant existence that sheds joy on others and pours hope into her hurting soul.  

Anyone who knows her is changed by her love, wisdom and presence. 

Strand #4

Recently I joined a new work community. I shouldn't be surprised to be surrounded by brokenness and struggle but somehow, I am. Bombarded with new stories of women just met, I feel I have already heard these tales time and time again. More divorces, more mothers raising children on their own, difficult choices to leave lives created through hard work to be closer to family in the face of debilitating disease. I can barely breathe under the weight of it all. Frustration and anger taint this burden I carry even more. I wonder, "Do women suffer more than others under such circumstances?" Being female myself my bias is strong and from where I stand bowed under the knowledge of their narratives, the evidence seems to say, "Yes". I am willing to be told otherwise but for now my heart continues to bleed for those women whose lives have presently intertwined with mine. As each strand flutters in the wind and touches my own fraying strand, I am made to look beyond my own cares and into the wounds of the others. 

The strands wrap around each other touching, tangling, staying, leaving. This intertwining makes us strong. The humanity of the struggle makes us one. Sharing in each other's lives keeps us humble. Continuing makes us BRAVE.

What can I leave with you? So often we don't know what to do and so do nothing. That will never do, Brave One. DO SOMETHING! even if it is borrowing the words of an artist. My words fall limp and lacking yet I can share what has offered me healing and courage. Allow these words to wash over you. Believe. Be brave. 

Brave by Skillet: https://youtu.be/4A3NqfV994k?t=17

Getting Started by Jeremy Camp: https://youtu.be/wzJ-PyMVI.

Brighter Days by Blessing Offor: https://youtu.be/I6lp1Oxb9L4