Sometimes it means sharing parts of your story that leave you feeling exposed and vulnerable, for the sake of other peoples’ salvation. Sometimes it means facing the diagnosis head on. Sometimes it means giving a generous offering from money you desperately need yourself. Sometimes it means committing to go on a missions trip when you don’t know how on earth you will physically/financially be able to travel. Sometimes it means adopting a baby when you’re not married but are determined to help the orphans and widows. Sometimes it means standing your ground while you’re being attacked from every angle. Sometimes it means stepping into what you know will open the door to major warfare, in order to stop injustice. Sometimes it means speaking up for the defenseless. Sometimes it means speaking when your voice is shaking. Sometimes it means getting up and trying again. Sometimes it means, taking God at His word when absolutely nothing seems to indicate that it will turn out that way. Sometimes being brave means doing it afraid. Please feel free to add to the list in the comments below and let us know what being brave means to you. This isn’t, by far, what I think is the all encompassing definition or anything, but rather the first things that came to mind. That’s the kind of bravery Tris has, and it’s the kind I strive for every day.What does it mean to be a “Brave Chick” anyway? Remembering times that stand out in my mind when I’ve had to be especially brave in my own life and also thinking of the women in my life who’ve been so brave time and time again, I came up with this list. We should support each other in overcoming our fears, not compare them. Each act of bravery is admirable and important. Facing that fear head on: that’s bravery. It doesn’t matter if that fear is terrorism or if it’s a little bug.

Every one of the 7 billion people on this earth is afraid of something. One act of bravery isn’t better or larger than another. Bravery doesn’t have a face, and it can’t be measured. It could be physically dangerous things, like running into a burning building, but it could also be getting on a plane by yourself, or coming out to your religious parents. Bravery isn’t a lack of fear it’s realizing that you’re afraid, but going on and doing what you want to do in spite of your fear.

It’s being terrified, wanting to run in the other direction, but instead, standing strong. Bravery isn’t always about saving other people, or being unafraid when others are. I think that a lot of times, we lose sight of what it really means to be brave.

What does it mean to be brave