Rappers always have someone with them on stage, rapping certain words for them so they don’t lose their breath or hyping up the crowd and increasing the energy of the atmosphere.
Pastors always have a certain group of people in the congregation that scream with excitement and say things like, “WOO AMEN!” or “YOU BETTER PREACH PASTOR!”
This response provides the speaker with some affirmation that the words being spoken are being well received.
All of our external moments, naturally, draw people in because it is something that they can see, be a part of or be entertained by.
External moments are things that we share on the stages of our lives.
In my head, there are different stages.
- The Main Stage - This is where we show our final results. This is where the applauds reside.
- The Side Stage - This is where the people in our life can see some of our vulnerability. The nervous bite of the lip or the sweaty hands before taking the main stage. These people can see a glimpse behind the curtain of complete perfection. They can nod their head and say, “You got this champ” right before showtime.
- Backstage - We are even more vulnerable here. No make up and no cool clothes. This is where we can wipe some tears before we go on stage. The people in this stage are even closer to us.
- Rehearsals - This is where the work process takes place. This stage can be chaotic and we have a team of trusted individuals who can speak life into us. Their encouragement reaches deeper places within us because they know us best and we are strengthened by their support.
All of the 4 stages and the people within each stage are all highly appreciated. Not only appreciated but needed. We all need each other. That is how we were designed to live on this earth. Interconnected.
BUT
Before any stage, before we come in contact with anyone in our circle that can lift us up, before we say good morning to the love of our life laying next to us in bed, we are, first and foremost alone within the stage of our very own thoughts.
Those moments, are internal and cannot be seen by anyone else.
In these moments, you’ve got to be your own hype man.
There’s no audience there.
Who are you without outside encouragement? Who are you when no one is looking? Who are you when there is no applause?
It’s 100% up to you to get the fire started or put the fire out.
Even God Himself, like the perfect gentleman that he is, will not barge into your internal/personal space unless you invite Him.
You.
It’s your move.
Earlier this week, I was having a MOMENT inside of my head, thoughts spilled out their worries all at once and I felt two choices present themselves :
Lose your mind or hype yourself up.
Immediately, a phrase from one of my favorite verses, Proverbs 28:1, came to mind like a hero in a cape.
Bold as a lion.
I said it out loud over and over again until the words transformed into invisible hands that lifted my head up.
Thoughts regarding the way in which lions carry themselves began to replace the thoughts that were taunting me.
- Lions do not roar all day.
- Lions roar when they are in a dangerous or threatening situation but they do not roar because they are afraid.
- Lions roar to assert their position in the animal kingdom as if to say, “Honey do you know who I am?”
- Lions are bold in the face of trouble because they know who they are and how the fight will end.
Bold as a lion.
We can share that phrase if you’d like.
Bring forth those words from your lips like a sharp sword and repeat them until whatever situation you’re facing recognizes who you are.
You are a child of God, equipped with strength and boldness.
Activate your roar in the midst of any battle by using the right words and saying them out loud.
Bold as a lion.
Try saying it out loud next time you feel defeated or intimidated in any way.
You are bold as a lion.
Take courage friends.
In the silence, when no one is around to shout or offer any encouragement, you can start a fire of your own and incline your heart towards the light in the midst of darkness.
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