A couple months ago I set the words “You Make Me Brave” on my locksreen. 

It was before I was diagnosed, but I knew something was wrong with me. Clark and I were in Oklahoma speaking at a teen camp and in the pit of my stomach I knew I wasn’t okay. 

Clearly, something was wrong. 

I went to evening service the second night of camp and fell on my knees during worship. “God, how am I supposed to preach if I can’t read my notes? How am I supposed to engage with these students if I’m too weak to stand? How am I supposed to do what You’ve called me to do when I’m not even sure how I’m going to make it through the day?” 

See, I knew I was called to preach. I knew part of my purpose was to take girls overseas. I really believed that I had so, so much more to give. 

The thought of not being able to do what I felt so strongly I was put on this earth to do terrified me. “God, I’m scared.”

As I sat knelt on the floor a familiar song began to play. The words pierced my heart as the band sang;

Click on photo to link to “You Make Me Brave” by Amanda Cook

I knew that my strength, bravery and hope had to come from God. I knew that no fear about my health could take away the things that He had called me to and promised me. He would make me brave.

Over the last few weeks I have been absolutely blown away at the support I have received from family, friends, and even strangers. Over and over people have said to be “Kim, you’re so brave” and to that I say “thank you.” But you need to know that my bravery doesn’t come from within me. It doesn’t come from a pep talk I give myself every morning or an optimistic attitude I’ve chose to adopt. Any bravery I possess comes from God in me. He makes me brave. Because I am His I know I can do this. Because of His Spirit in me, I know I don’t have to do it on my own strength. 

The “YOU ARE BRAVE” print in the printshop is a daily reminder that in Him, you are brave.

In everything, my bravery comes from Him.