OK… so I’m not really burning my bra, for very practical reasons, but when my friend, Rachel Britton, asked me a while back to write a guest post for her blog theme #BeBoldGirl that was my first thought; I’m Burning My Bra! One of the chapter titles in my new book, it describes my spiritual journey. It has been one of struggle from rules to relationship. From the anxiety of unrealistic expectations, the fear of failure and what I could not control, to fearless freedom. From being timid and insecure to … you guessed it … BOLD!
Bold is described by various dictionaries as not being fearful or hesitating but courageous and daring. In the 1960’s I was not old enough to appreciate the bold statement that many women across the country made as they burned their bras, taking a stand against injustice and inequality, but as an adult I understand the fearless daring it took to do so. Especially at that time in history. I also understand the practical feeling of freedom and the ahhhhhhh that comes from “letting the girls loose.”
The Truth Will Set You Free
Being controlled for so many years by fear and insecurity, I allowed the pressure I felt of unrealistic expectations from culture, family, and the church, to define what I thought a godly woman was supposed to be. As a preacher’s daughter, I felt the subtle, sometimes not-so-subtle, demand to be perfect.
Everyone seemed to have an opinion of what a “good girl” was supposed to look like, act like, and do with her life. You know the stereotype. Conservatively dressed, soft spoken, always says the right thing at the right time. She plays the piano and sings, marries a perfect man and has 3 perfect children, keeps a perfectly clean house 24/7, leads Bible studies, serves in the nursery, visits shut-ins, can quote scripture like it was a recipe and never, and I mean NEVER, raises her voice. You may find this hard to believe but I have just described my mother, the perfect pastor’s wife. I was sure that if you looked up the Proverbs 31 woman in a Bible dictionary you would find a picture of my mom. Are you getting the idea?
It just wasn’t ME! As a result, growing up I was timid and very insecure. Getting up in front at church or in front of a group was torture yet I was expected to be a leader and to fit the preacher’s daughter stereotype. It has been a loooooong journey to freedom and if I can share just one thing with you on your journey it is this: God’s Truth brings freedom, and true freedom will give you the courage to be BOLD! To be the unique you God created you to be.
(John 8:32 NIV) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Boldly Step In To Your God Given Purpose
For me, to be bold means setting aside my fears of rejection and judgment and simply being who God created and saved me to be. What a huge relief to realize it was really OK to be me. A bit outside of the box and definitely marching to a beat of a different drummer than, say, my Mother did. Letting God determine the rhythm of my life. God loves me! Unconditionally! Outrageous outfits, sometimes not-so-quiet personality, off beat sense of humor, crazy family and all. And that truth, my dear girlfriend, gives me passion, purpose and the confidence and courage to be bold on my journey and comfortable in the skin God gave me. I have even ended up in ministry, speaking in front of hundreds of women at times. Talk about ironic and, frankly, miraculous! Only God can give a timid, insecure, fearful young girl who just wants to be in the background, a bold voice and passion for ministry as a (yes, I still struggle with insecurity) woman.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Timothy 1:7 …for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Fearless Freedom
So, no, you don’t have to burn your bra to be bold. But, Girlfriend, next time you do “let the girls loose,” let that ahhhhhh moment remind you to let go of the fear and restraints. The ones that keep you from being who our sovereign, creative, all wise, loving God created only you to be. Unique and beautiful. Living boldly for Jesus in fearless freedom! Get in to His Word and discover the truth of His unconditional, extravagant love for you and begin to live boldly in who you are in Christ!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Oh this is fabulous. Magnificent. I love your writing and your passion and your ministry. Thank you! And how do I subscribe to this blog?
Love!!