“He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him.”

(1 Samuel 16:18)

We will be celebrating Joshua’s 10th birthday this Saturday. Joshua’s first decade of life has flown by, causing me to pause for reflection.

Joshua’s miraculous birth changed my life forever. It rocked my world in wonderful, unexpected and fiercely challenging ways. Labor and delivery were two of my greatest fears. Yielding my will and my body to the necessary rigors of birthing a baby brought me to new heights of faith and bravery. After being in labor over 16 hours and only dilating slightly, Joshua’s heart beat suddenly disappeared from the monitors and they rushed me into the operating room for an emergency c-section. Joshua’s cord was wrapped around his neck. By God’s grace, mercy and protection, Joshua was delivered safely and beautifully.

Little did I know that living out parenthood moment by moment is where the real acts of bravery and faith are authenticated. Labor and delivery have already proven over and over to be the easy parts of motherhood.

Through our children, God has ushered me onto new paths of growth and trust in Him. God is so wise. Motherhood plunged me into His Word like never before. I soak it in daily. I hunger and thirst for His Truth unceasingly. I am completely dependent on Him. My relationship with my Heavenly Father is the healthiest co-dependency ever! The depths of love for my children are inexplicable. My desire for them to walk with the Lord and in His truth anchors my love for them.

The joys, heartaches and challenges of motherhood have stretched and exercised new muscles in my heart (and my body!). Joshua and Gabrielle make me want to be brave.

As we celebrate Joshua’s 10th birthday, I am palpably reminded daily that Joshua makes me want to be brave. From his emergency birth, to his colic as a baby, to his sweet heart in not wanting to be separated from his momma for any reason as a pre-schooler, to his all-boy energy and athletic prowess now as a young gentlemen, I’ve had to be brave. I’ve had to hold my nose, close my eyes and jump into some deep waters. Spiritually. Emotionally. Mentally.

And many moms I know, respect and love have been called to much deeper levels of bravery than I.

My personal “CLIMBS” may not be physical. My “CLIMBS” may be more spiritual, emotional and mental. But I am climbing to new heights with bravery from the Lord that is required for motherhood. “The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19

“My salvation and my honor depend on God ; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.”

Psalm 62:7

You make me want to be brave.

I love you. I respect you. I’m so proud of you.