This year, I am tempted to make a list of resolutions but instead I’ve decided on just one – one simple, crazy goal that could impact my life on so many levels – to step out and press in. A year of no fear.
Sometimes the antidote to fear is just showing up. Just taking that first baby step and trusting that what’s next is worth it. To lean in when it’s difficult and step out in faith when I have more questions than answers, trusting that the one who holds it all together is big enough to take care of my life. Isn’t that where it all begins? With a simple decision to kick fear to the side and be all in – fully present and fully engaged.
I’ve seen this theme again and again in the lives of the kids we serve. I was reminded of it as I read through a list of students who had made the decision to join Back2Back’s Hope Program this year – leaving life as they had known it at a children’s home. So many unknowns and question marks, but at the end of the day, it all boiled down to one decision – whether to push past fear and embrace the unknown or to stay hunkered down in the safe, predictable rhythms of life. Those moments of life change are all preceded by one simple decision in the still quiet moments of the heart – a willingness to say yes despite emotions that might sway us otherwise.
I’m so thankful each student ultimately said yes to the unknown. Clothed in tenacity and resilience, they pushed past fear and even when it felt impossible, they resolved to just show up. One foot in front of the other.
Registering for classes as the first in their family to attend college. One foot in front of the other.
Stepping onto a college campus for the first time. One foot in front of the other.
Moving into a family style home after a life in a children’s home. One foot in front of the other.
Growing in independence. One foot in front of the other.
Learning to connect and love and heal. One foot in front of the other.
At the end of the day, on some level, we are all tasked with the job of saying yes to life with all its risks or living within the limitations dictated by our own fear. At the end of the day, we are all faced with a choice to hunker down or step out – faith or fear. Which will it be?