"Embarrassing Bravery"

Several months ago, I saw the movie, "We Bought a Zoo".  I'm not gonna lie, my primary reason for wanting to see the movie was because it starred a certain talented actor, whose name rhymes with rat caiman; but I also am an animal lover, and thought the storyline sounded intriguing.  If you've never heard of the movie, it's based upon a true story.  Benjamin Mee and his family actually rescued a ramshackle zoo, several years ago.  The movie is gentle, but realistic in portraying the grief of Benjamin and the children regarding the recent death of their wife/mother, and their adjustments within their new family dynamic.  It's definitely worth a Netflix rental.  IMHO, appropriate for kids 10 and up. 

But I'm not really writing to give a movie review.  I'm writing because my cognitive wheels have been spinning upon this terrific quote, spoken by Mee to his son, when his son was at a decision-making crossroads:

"You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage.  Just literally twenty seconds of embarrassing bravery.  And I promise you, something great will come of it."

Twenty seconds of insane courage.  Embarrassing bravery.  When was the last time I was insanely, embarrassingly bold and courageous?  You know...I don't remember.  I've done many things which made me nervous, unsure, or even somewhat embarrassed.  But this, to me, suggests that for twenty seconds, one falls without a net, in faith, that s/he won't go splat onto the concrete. 

I can't help but relate this to my life as a Christian and the lives of those who lived the (true) stories in the Bible.  Twenty seconds, by twenty seconds.  I think of folks like:

• Abraham, nearly killing his own son, as he readies him for sacrifice, because he showed insane bravery (and obedience).
• Rahab, hiding and aiding Joshua's men at the fall of Jericho.
• Ruth, staying with her mother-in-law, and going to Boaz' room at night to boldly ask him to be her kinsman redeemer.
• David, sparing Saul's life, when he had the chance to take Saul down in the cave where he was hiding with his men, and Saul was relieving himself. Twenty seconds of bravery meant that the Davidic line would continue because of his courageous obedience to God.
• Esther, watching and waiting for the right twenty minutes of embarrassing bravery, as she timed her message of Haman's hatred and plot to kill the Jews to King Xerxes.
• The Disciples, daring to leave their lives behind when Jesus asked them, to "Come, follow Me."
• Mary, when Gabriel told her of our Savior's imminent arrival and the role she would play as His earthly mother.  ""I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38 NIV)
• Joseph, when he listened to God's message in his dreams and obeyed: "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." (Matt. 1:24-25 NIV)
• Jesus, Himself, when he said the final prayer of submission to God, to take the cup of wrath that humankind deserved."Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42 NIV)
• Paul, on any number of missions trips to bring the Good News to those in Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. 

These are just a few folks that came directly to mind.  There are so many others.  But the point is, all faced at least a modicum of fear, and all triumphed with insane courage. I believe that God inspired the Bible as the road map to our lives.  He shows us these examples, above, but He's also kind enough to show examples of living in fear, unbelief, and disobedience, and the consequences of each type of behavior choice. 

The best thing about embarrassing, insane courage when one is following Jesus is that, though we may feel every bit as helpless as the person falling without a safety net, we know that our safety net is Him. 
Okay...I've given myself enough to chew on for one day. :)  Now to pray about how I can be embarrassingly brave for Jesus.  Care to join me?

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)