You are Strong and Courageous

A little over a year ago, I boldly declared Joshua 1:9 over my life, even putting it on my wall. Lesson one: Be mindful of what you pray for. Lesson two: God’s ways are beyond our understanding, and His thoughts surpass ours.

Becoming strong and courageous wasn’t an isolated event. Over the past year, God has shaped my courage through challenges. During this time, I’ve discovered who I am and, just as crucially, who I am not. I’ve learned not to be a “whipping boy” and not to let others define me through their insecurities. Furthermore, I have learned that insecure people often project their flaws onto others, and I’ve become adept at deflecting such projections. I’ve realized that I am not who people say I am; I am who God says I am.

Ultimately, in a world full of opinions, it’s crucial to ensure that the issues we deal with are genuinely ours and not burdens others have placed on our shoulders. Each of us carries a heavy enough cross without taking on someone else’s.

One vital lesson from this year is that it’s not just okay but necessary to evolve, even if not everyone welcomes the change. Some of us have tolerated being doormats for too long. When we decide to break out of that mold, some may resist, clinging to the status quo. They may accuse us of having an attitude or changing to evoke guilt. To that, I say: MOVE ON!

Being strong and courageous has taught me much about life, love, and friendship. I’ve learned that relationships, be they personal or professional, should uplift. If a relationship doesn’t bring out the best in both parties, it bears no fruit. The key is to know our worth and not fear moving on from relationships that make us feel less than deserving. This year, I’ve distanced myself from those who consistently see the worst in me, attempting to define my life by their standards.

Parting thoughts: You are strong and courageous. Seek those who reaffirm this. Words carry weight; distance yourself from negativity. Surround yourself with people who see the best in you, as an environment of negativity can hinder your growth. Your environment matters, and the wrong one could jeopardize your future. Despite what others say, remember: you are strong and courageous!