I’m working on being brave. I’m working on my courage. I want to be a superhero.
My granddaughter is one of my superheroes. She can see the kids on the fringe. She is sensitive like that. She knows when girls aren’t fitting in. About a month ago, a new girl showed up at her youth group. When Aubrey noticed the girl, she guided her to the welcome center to help her register and get a name tag. Aubrey stayed with her the rest of the evening. That same evening, two other girls were also new to youth group. They were a bit older than Aubrey, and would have been in a different section, but no one welcomed them. No one showed them how or where to register. They were left to fend for themselves. Now 4 weeks later? Bre’s new friend was there last night, and has come back every week. But the two other girls didn’t come back the following week or the next. They didn’t find their people so they didn’t bother to come back at all.
Kids that may never find Jesus.
Walking into a roomful of strangers is scary. It makes us vulnerable. It’s easier for me to hold back and “hug the wall.” Keep to myself. But…
Someone may never find connection… encouragement… strength… or Jesus.
We need each other to find our way in this crazy world. To find our place and our people. Our tribe.
In her book, Daring Greatly, Brene’ Brown says, “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives, and that nothing is as dangerous, uncomfortable, or hurtful as standing on the outside looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena.”
To step out of our comfort zone, and reach out to others is courageous. And it’s uncomfortable. It’s one of the hardest things to do. It seems dangerous. And vulnerable. And truthful. And honest.
But it’s time to take the risk. It’s time to put on our capes.
And if you’re one of the lucky ones, and you’ve already found your tribe, then look beyond your people. Look to the fringe. People are there. Do you see them?
Let’s put on our capes, and be brave.
Let’s go be superheroes.
