Are you afraid?
Tonight I watched Soul Surfer, and I just wanted to share a couple quotes and thoughts.
The first time Bethany gets in the water after the shark attack, she stands with her best friend and family on the beach and looks out at the surf. Her best friend asks her, “Are you afraid?” And she replies:
“More afraid of not surfing.”
That really struck me as I began to apply it to my own life.
I am afraid of laying down my life for people, but more afraid of losing that life because I tried so hard to keep it.
I am afraid of risking my heart and opening up to love, but more afraid of numbing my heart and never knowing true, pure love.
I am afraid of following Jesus wherever He may lead, but more afraid of disobeying Him and reaping the fruit of disobedience.
I am afraid of trying to love and disciple the nations, but more afraid of not hearing the Lord say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” on the day I meet Him face to face.
I am afraid of dreaming big, but more afraid of settling for mediocrity.
Another quote was at the end of the movie when she was interviewed, and the reporter asked if she wishes she had stayed home the day of the shark attack.
“I wouldn’t change what happened to me because then I wouldn’t have had this chance to embrace more people than I ever could with two arms.”
If the supreme goal of life really is love, then aren’t our valleys just places to acquire more love and compassion for the broken people we meet every day? What looks like a curse to me could be the biggest blessing to another. Because of all that I lost in the trial, I will be able to embrace more people than I ever could if I had lived a perfect life.
Love this. Love you. Can’t wait until you get back here.