Be Brave

For C and her Savior, who sent her a duck.

…He gave them words of hope. He said, “Be strong. Be brave. Don’t be afraid. Don’t lose hope. The king of Assyria has a huge army with him. But there’s a greater power with us than there is with him. The only thing he has is human strength. But the Lord our God is with us. He will help us. He’ll fight our battles.”

2 Chronicles 32:6-8, NIRV

Be brave! Jesus will go with you.

He scrunched up his little face and cried harder, shaking his head.

But Jesus doesn’t have skin! I can’t see him!

My little one was having separation anxiety, and I was desperate for adult conversation. I coaxed and persuaded, encouraged and even bribed, but he would not allow me out of his sight. His fear was real, and he needed my skin to make Jesus real.

One day out shopping, I came across an adorable plush toy duck and had an idea. Brave Ducky was born, and we entered Phase Two of I-Can-Be-Brave-When-I-Can’t-See-Mommy. Later that day I gave him Brave Ducky, explaining,

When you need to be brave, hug Brave Ducky, and he’ll remind you Jesus is with you everywhere you go. He will help you. And I am right here waiting for you.

That dear boy carried Brave Ducky around until the toy’s neck stretched long and it looked more like a goose. And while he hugged it, tugged it, and lugged it, my child grew stronger.

One day, he appeared quietly while I was deep in my early morning quiet time. Startled, I looked up.

Hey, buddy. You’re up early. You okay?

Yep. I saw Jesus.

Wait, what?

Really?

He blinked sticky sleep out of his eyes as he answered.

I was dreaming about me and Brave Ducky and Jesus came and held my hand. Brave Ducky started walking and said he didn’t need to be carried anymore. He’s big now.

Oh. How do you feel about that?

Fine. I’m big too.

And with that, he walked away. I noticed he was holding Brave Ducky by its stubby, love-worn wing. Not its neck. And my brave boy was leading the way, all the while whispering,

Be brave, now. Jesus is walking with us.

I closed my Bible and dropped to my knees, grateful for Jesus, who came with skin on to help us be brave. Thankful that He shows himself to children and grown-ups, walks with us, and helps us fight our battles.

It’s hard to be #brave. After all, Jesus doesn’t have skin on anymore. I can’t see him when I’m scared. Click To Tweet

I don’t feel His strong arms scooping me up and putting me on His shoulders high above the pressing crowds. But there’s a kind of knowing that comes with growing. And trusting. And reminding my trembling heart that Jesus is walking with me. 

Almost twenty years later, I was packing our house, mustering my courage to follow Jesus and move across the world again. I crawled through attic cobwebs to grab one remaining box. Imagine my surprise when there I found Brave Ducky, looking up at me with that sideways grimace of his.

Be brave, now.

 

Lord, I speak to my heart today. Be strong. Be brave. Don’t be afraid. Don’t lose hope. Jesus is with you, and He will help you. He’s greater than all your fears. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

@audreycfrank