Brave. Beautiful. Warrior. Scarcely words I would ever consider using to describe myself after my husband’s affair.

Fearful. Scarred. Defeated.

These words suited me best at this point in life.

Nonetheless, my teenage daughter bought me these three silver tiles. Word tiles. Brave. Beautiful. Warrior.

With five children I was caring for, to think that one of them viewed me as brave? Beautiful? Even a warrior? It was laughable.

And yet, my daughter’s perspective, that she saw those qualities in me, inspired me to lean into those things.

These three little silver tiles gave me something to hold onto. They were pieces to be put together into your own personalized piece of jewelry or accessory. I had some earring hooks left over from one of our quick passing hobbies of jewelry making. These three earrings quickly became part of my daily attire.

On any given day, I needed to be brave, to face the challenges ahead- meanwhile feeling fearful, withered, and worn down. Believe me, I didn’t want to face the world and the struggles of the day ahead. I’d rather crawl back under the blankets. Yet, just for today, I choose this one - BRAVE.

It encouraged me that I can face the hard days. I can do so with strength and courage, not because of who I am, but because of who God is. And because of what He promises. A little book in the Bible says, The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.

It doesn’t say that I won’t have any high hills. Rather, not only will I have hills in my life - sometimes they feel like insurmountable mountains - but I will actually be made to walk upon them. Now that’s inspiring. There is a strength, God given inside each of us. You too, can walk upon your high hills.

It’s a difficult climb, but it is made more bearable when you have a group to do it with. Consider joining Harboring Hope and partnering with others to make that climb together. Be brave. Just for today. And take that next step.