Stains of Grass
Reflections on Everyday Life, One Word, Five Minutes at a Time
by
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brave
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” - Psalm 31:24 (NKJV)
Brave doesn't have an easy time of it. Brave dwells inside each of us, but fear intimidates it, looming large, hands on its hips and feet firmly planted, its broad shoulders blocking the door so brave can't get by. Fear holds brave back, preventing confrontation, but also resolution.
Brave must have the heart of a lion, be bold and undaunted to overcome any obstacle it encounters. But even when brave does finally triumph over fear, seeks us out and knocks on our door, we might look through the peephole and immediately back away. We hesitate to let it in, because in the moment, our own apprehension and anxiety are telling us we can't do it. Brave may be lionhearted, but it's not easy for us to roar, when all we feel like doing is retreating to the safety of our den until the scary part's over. We can try to ignore the knocking, but eventually, we have to open up. And when we do, we would see that brave has many faces. Brave might be a soldier in uniform, just returned home from the battlefield, scarred, but with heroic stories to tell. Brave might be a small child in a hospital gown, teddy bear clutched to their chest, eyes full of innocent trust. Brave is an elderly woman, keeping watch over her ailing husband of 60-odd years, holding her Bible in one hand and reaching out to us with the other.
Sometimes in life, it's be brave - or nothing. There is no alternative. Brave fortifies when fear and uncertainty leave us feeling lost and alone, questioning our circumstances and wondering how we go on from here. It may take time for brave to break free and catch up to us, but when it does, we must find the courage to open the door and invite it in, embrace it as a welcome guest, and draw strength from it for as long as it will keep us company.
Brave knocks because it knows - the only way out is through.
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About the Book
For anyone who has questioned, struggled and sought guidance to find meaning in both the mundane and momentous events that shape the everydays of our lives, Stains of Grass is an insightful look at how we might approach both the challenges and opportunities we're presented with - everyday..
Guided by her faith, prompted by her inner Spirit, and with honest and unique interpretations, Brenda uses words, photographs and scripture to provoke thought and offer a gentle nudge for each of us to look both inward and outward. Inward for a better understanding of ourselves and our motives in this life, and outward so we may more readily see and be first to reach out when others need lifting up.
Her words are her way of extending a hand. Won't you take it?
“Brenda’s book is a combination of love, deep appreciation and guidance. You can use it as a coffee table book to encourage conversation, a source for daily reflection, a resource for a book club or support group, and a guide for doing a personal journal. I keep her first book in my waiting room and people are constantly commenting on it and asking where to get it. Thank you, Brenda, for another beautiful literary gift!” Rhonda Jager-Pippy, LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker)
About the Author
An Iowa girl born and raised, Brenda is a wife and mother of two with two young granddaughters. Writing soothes her spirit as photography soothes her soul. If a picture paints a thousand words, so can words paint a picture, and for Brenda, the two are intertwined. Thus, the inspiration behind the premise for her first two books.
As an author, Brenda was an invited speaker at the 2014 Iowa Reading Association Conference, a council of The International Reading Association, held annually on the campus of Iowa State University. She presented on the importance of promoting literacy for all, her passion for writing and her belief that writers must first write to express, not impress.
With her background in writing and graphic design, she is working on a series of storybooks for her granddaughters. Her love and appreciation for her family, and her faith in God the Father who bestows all blessings, keep her grounded everyday.
For more on the author and her writing, please visit brendajotto@blogspot.com.