I am pondering boldness today because of a magazine article that I read. This story was about a couple who set sail across the Pacific Ocean on a small ship. One night a storm arose and tossed the ship about until it finally capsized, unfortunately killing the man.
The woman said she had sensed danger though she didn’t expound, and warned her companion but he refused to listen. In the article she berated herself for not taking more power in the dangerous situation before tragedy struck. Because the man was the ‘captain’, she felt it wasn’t her place to argue too much. At one point in the article she said, “I should have been more adamant. I should have been more bold. Perhaps if I had been, the boat would not have sunk, and there would be two of us alive today.”
I’m sure you can relate on some level, although not with such dire consequences. How many times have you sensed that something wasn’t quite right, especially when it came to your marriage and what was going on with your husband.
What is the cost of timidity? Have you ever taken the time to wonder what being timid has it costed you personally? Not that it matters at this point in the game, unless it helps to NOT make the same mistakes in the future, and perhaps allow you the assurance that your instincts are worth listening to.
And, have you thought about the rewards of being bold? Have you taken the chance to sit back and remember the times you DID listen to what your gut was telling you? That is another good lesson to learn from.
It has been said that “He who hesitates is lost” (Cato), and, “Not to decide, is to decide” (Harvey Cox).
Two true statements.
Would you take the time to answer these questions?
*What would you do if you were ten times bolder?
*When and what has it cost you in life not to be bold?
*What has it cost your family?
Those are hard questions to answer. For if we know the answer to those questions, and if we don’t like what we come up with, then it’s time to make a change.
I get that’s a pretty trite statement. If it was that easy, we would all do it. Invite God into the process. That is the most important action of all.
I would love to hear your answers to these questions or anything else you want to share about your story. Your story is important because you are important, and so worth the time and attention to live the best life you deserve.
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