Rising Strong

Brene Brown is an incredible writer and one that I often look to for words of encouragement along life's way.  

The following are a few excerpts from her book Rising Strong.

"The irony is that we attempt to disown our difficult stories to appear more whole or more acceptable, but our wholeness and even our wholeheartedness, actually depends on the integration of all of our experiences, including the falls."

"Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to live our values rather than simply professing them."

"Love and belonging are irreducible needs of all people.  We're hardwired for connection.  It's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.  The absence of love, belonging, and connection, always leads to suffering."

I find strength in each one of these musings.  

Who likes to fall or fail?  No one that I know and certainly not myself.  A reminder that in order to be whole it takes all the pieces and parts, the successes and failings, of this life journey.  We are invited to be whole and well in this life.

Practicing courageous leadership often proves costly.  The cost often stings deep within the soul.  That sting runs much deeper and lasts a whole lot longer than simply being tazed (as I witnessed this afternoon at Leadership Austin).     

In a fast paced and often superficial world, there is a great absence taking place within each of us.  We are relationally suffering.  Can we be connected in purposeful and living ways?  Of course.  Am I and are you ready for that type of hard work that produces meaningful life? 

Rising Strong.....more than a good idea!

Pastor Chad