It’s been five years since I wrote this post for my previous blog. In honor of two years of moving to editorial next week, I thought I’d revisit and add a few new thoughts! So much still resonates today—and in the time since, I’ve also learned a few more ways of choosing to be brave.
I also really enjoyed re-reading my original thoughts. Do you ever go back and read old posts or articles you write? Most of the time I cringe at my cheesiness and am thankful that blog no longer exists, but this was a sweet moment, looking back at where I was then and at the same time thinking of all that has happened since then.
So here we go…
It was my dream job, but it was hundreds of miles away.
I always knew that if God opened the doors into the publishing industry, I would have to leave where I was living at the time: Austin, TX. And let me tell you, I love that city! I had incredible community, deep friendships, and a church that challenged and encouraged me. Plus, the food...it's some of the best in the world. Really, it is.
As soon as I got the offer though, I knew I was leaving. I had been applying to publishing jobs for awhile. I knew God opened the door I had been praying for. But would it be worth it? Would it be worth it to leave everything behind to such a great unknown?
Prior to my job interview, 98% of my experience with Colorado had been with the Denver airport. I hated cold weather (I still do and will never get used to it). I didn’t know a soul in the city or any churches. It was terrifying, even while exciting. Would I make friends? Would I find a church I loved? Would I survive winter?!?
The Lord was faithful through that season and He continued to remind me of this truth in so many ways. Through scriptures like this one found in Ephesians:
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
But He also spoke to me in one of my love languages: Fiction. In C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Aslan has seemingly remained quiet in the land of Narnia as the terrible White Witch has claimed it as her own. Slowly things start to change, the never ending winter begins to melt and true Narnians begin to have hope.
Aslan was on the move.
He was on the move in my life too. Did that mean my fear went away? Nope, but it gave me the courage to be brave. Just like in the book, where even though Aslan was moving to destroy the hold the White Witch had over Narnia, the four Pevensies siblings (and array of amazing creatures) still had to fight. They still had to choose to be brave.
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NASB)
For me, that meant pushing through as I searched for months for a church home. It was trusting that God would provide community, trusting that while I hadn’t connected in those first few months, it would come. It was pushing through the awkwardness of making new friends as an adult. And yet.
He was and is faithful.
It’s been nearly eight years now that I’ve called Colorado home and in the few years since originally writing this post, there have been times I’ve needed to hold on to that truth in ways I never would have imagined. Pushing through scary medical things, recovering from hard church experiences and choosing to hold on to the truth of faith and not what people can do, losing beloved pets and choosing to open my heart to a new one, and even remaining content in the waiting.
But what still rings true is that I love my friends and my community in Colorado. They are a gift to my soul. They have been there and helped me to be brave and supported me all through so much of this wild ride.
Being brave isn’t fully conquering fear. It will always be there. It’s choosing to not let it stand in the way. It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned it is always worth it. When I don’t want to take that step of faith? I remember my favorite lion Aslan. I remember Who he represents and am reminded I’m not alone, Jesus will always be with me. And I can remember that “He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.”
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
© 2023 Jamie Lapeyrolerie