Am I brave?
by Elouise
Where is my center?
The one thing that matters
Above all else
What is truth?
Not what I see with my eyes
But enact in my life
Brave
I want to be brave again
I think
Yesterday’s bravery looks on
With bated breath
Was it for real or not?
Since childhood
I’ve prepared for this moment
Without a map
Now I’m a grown-up
Battle-worn and wondering
Can I do this again?
I don’t generally think of myself as a brave woman. Determined? Yes. But not brave.
My life has been a series of interruptions by men. Some were accustomed to taking over and talking over others. They seemed to be the truly brave players on the scene. People like my father, my first boss, some male pastors with whom I’ve worked, male teachers and professors, male board members, presidents, vice-presidents and colleagues. Sometimes male students.
They seemed to sound ‘brave,’ if not always wise. At best I might have called myself ‘disciplined.’ But even that sounds weak. Especially now, in a world reeling from a dearth of true bravery. The kind that moves ahead without knowing how this is going to end. Without hanging onto ‘power over’ other people. Without the need to prove something personally, or make sure this turns out right.
Most Christian churches with majority white members are likely in need of brave leaders. I’m not an official church leader. I’m a retired theologian. Nonetheless, it’s time to step up. Time to become brave yet again. This time without apology or fear of what people may think about me.
There’s too much at stake to put my trust in niceness, or even in making sure I’ve gotten every word in the right place, spoken or written in the right way, at the right time.
I’ve begun reading Brenda Salter McNeil’s Becoming Brave: Finding the Courage to Pursue Racial Justice Now. I’ll say more about it in a later post. It’s a great read so far.
Thanks for visiting and reading. On another note, my poem, Haunted, has been published in a South Georgia newspaper. In addition, my primary care physician asked for it–to use in a small discussion group the practice has begun.
Cheers!
Elouise♥
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 17 October 2020
Image found at StarTribuneBaltimore.com
Yes, Elouise! Speak out bravely, even if you must pretend to be brave at first. You have important things to say!
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I really like your suggestion about pretending! Thanks, Marilyn! 🙏🏻
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Whether you feel brave or not inside…keep speaking out because speaking out in and of itself is VERY brave! And we need more speaker-outers like you, Elouise! You matter! Your words matter! You do have important things to say, share, teach, etc. 🙂
Congrats on your Haunted poem! 🙂
(((HUGS)))
PS…How is Smudge doing today? Thinking of him and wishing him well.
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Thanks, Carolyn! About becoming brave: I tend to carry controversial things inside instead of letting them go free. As for Smudge, he’s looking and acting much more Smudge-like today than he was 24 hours ago! We’re going to enjoy every minute we have with him. 🙂 I’m so grateful for your encouragement. Hugs to you!
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I’m the same way if anything relates to me.
I’m trying to be braver about speaking up for myself.
When it comes to others, and important causes, I can stand up and loudly speak out AND get the ball rolling to help them. I don’t know why I can’t do that for myself. 😦
I’m SO glad to hear Smudge is doing some better! I’ll keep praying for him!
(((HUGS)))
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Just by writing all you write and putting it out there, you’re brave🥰I believe in you and your never ending quest to learn and grow. I admire you, just saying…❤️
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Thank you, dear Kim. 💕💜
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