One more #riskrejection link up with the beautiful Amy Sullivan. All these ladies have inspired me so greatly. They are brave and I love to hear their stories. It is powerful when we do not allow fear to overcome our hearts, and listen for that still small voice. You can read my other risk posts here, here, and here. I hope you might be encouraged from someone who is not so very brave deep inside.
I remember when I was little and in the backyard with all the neighbor kids. We would take turns flipping and twisting backwards on the rings hanging from the top of our playhouse. Everyone could do some sort of great variation. I would be there too, but my amazing trick would never come. As soon as I started, I would imagine my arms twisting out of their sockets and hanging limply at my sides. The risk was too great, so I just never tried. I would sit in a patch of daisies with my dog, watching everyone else try new things.
And I went on to spend most of my life, watching everyone else take the risks.
Now, I find myself saying yes more often, even when I’m not sure I’m good enough. I used to tell myself, I would take chances when I was smarter, or skinnier, or had more experience, or felt less anxious. The day I started writing here I realized something, God takes all voices, even the imperfect ones.
Thinking back to my childhood backyard, I realize I have changed.
The more you risk, the stronger you become. God will keep welling up in your heart more and more… to take steps of faith in things that matter.
I promise to keep writing hope and encouragement, even when I’m scared.
I promise to risk swinging upside-down on the rings…
Would you take a risk? About Proximity is running a series called I Love Your Voice.
I so very much believe that we all have a story to tell. We all embody a unique way that God uses to bring hope and renewal to others. The proximity of your voices encourages.
Read our first contributions here, here, and here. We want your voice. Contact me for some ideas for you to share your heart aboutproximity@gmail.com
The way you place yourself in the proximity of renewal will challenge others to take risks. I know it.
About Proximity 
I love this reminder that God will use all the voices, even the imperfect ones. I’m glad you’re saying yes and encouraging others in the process!
I’m glad you are too… so thankful
“The more you risk, the stronger you become.” Yes. Yes. Yes. I love reading your posts and blogging alongside you. 🙂 You always make me feel braver and more hopeful.
You are brave 🙂
For me, your best writing is when you share stories like this. Stories which let us peek at you. The only thing that would make this better would be you as an adult on those rings. I think you should make that happen.
Oh gosh, that would be funny! Thank you for the always encouragement.