Brave & Bold: FAITH VERSION: VOL 1

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GROW IN CONFIDENCE. KNOW YOUR IDENTITY.

JOURNEY

FOR GUYS OF FAITH

DISCOVER PURPOSE

The Quest to Discover Welcome to your Brave & Bold Journey—a path to courage and confidence!

We want to make one thing crystal clear from the start—you matter, and your worth is immeasurable, regardless of whether you fully believe it just yet.

You’re not just any teen guy; you’re a unique individual with your own story, your own design, and your own purpose. We’re here to celebrate exactly who you are in your life’s journey up to this point.

Our mission is to help you build self-confidence, know your value, grow in wisdom for living, reach your full potential, and ensure your safety and well-being along the way.

Let’s kick things off with a fundamental question: “What kind of man do you aspire to be?”

becoming the best version of yourself. This will serve as a launchpad for your journey of self-discovery.

What defines genuine manhood, the real deal? Is it about being a self-made success story? How have the men in your life shaped your idea of masculinity? And what does today’s culture have to say about it?

As our journey unfolds, we’ll also delve into topics that empower you to navigate and protect yourself from potentially harmful situations and victimization.

The concept of “manliness” might take different forms in various family and cultural backgrounds, but it often relates to qualities such as intelligence, humor, mental strength, and bravery. Yet, it’s clear that contemporary culture, in general, has been a bit hesitant to promote positive aspects of manhood.

Sadly, media and societal norms have sometimes focused on men in a negative light—as absent fathers, unfeeling individuals, and displaying overly aggressive masculinity. You may have even witnessed real-life examples of these stereotypes in your own experience. This leaves many young men confused about what it means to be a great man and, in some cases, even reluctant to embrace the positive aspects of masculinity. We hope to shift the narrative away from harmful stereotypes towards a more positive view of manhood so you are left feeling strong, empowered, and emotionally and mentally healthy.

So, let’s start the conversation. The articles in Volume 1 will explore the traits and inner qualities that can guide you toward

This is a journey of exploration. If you approach it with an open heart and a willingness to learn and grow, be prepared to be surprised, challenged, affirmed, and transformed.

Your experiences, be they moments of joy, pain, loneliness, heartbreak, struggle, success, or victory, carry significance.

There’s someone who cares deeply—your Master Craftsman and Miracle Worker, your Heavenly Father. He’s dedicated to weaving all your experiences into a tapestry of bravery and boldness so you can leave a positive mark on the world. This is His vision for you.

Remember, this entire journey was crafted with you in mind.

Embrace the discoveries that await you along the way.

With gratitude, The Brave & Bold Team

BRAVE & BOLD Copyright © 2024 Releasing Generations Published by Releasing Generations Printed in the United States of America All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

All articles, art, and photographs have been published and printed with the permission of their creators.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

Scripture quotations marked (NIrV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIrV” and “New International Reader’s Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Art Direction and Graphic Design by: Ahava Design, LLC. Photos by Unsplash and Pixabay.

TheBraveSeries.com Through The Brave Series, we are on a mission to help youth and adults of all ages overcome insecurities about their value and purpose. The Brave Series empowers teens and adults to:

The Brave Series is a publication of Explicit Movement, one of three facets of the Releasing Generations organization. You can learn more about Explicit Movement at Explicitmovement.org

• Grow in confidence and emotional health.

Our leadership team has decades of combined experience working with, serving, and supporting teens, young adults, parents, community leaders, and church leaders within many denominations locally and globally.

• Gain wisdom and vision for their future, enabling them to step into their purpose and pursue their dreams.

• Become aware and equipped to safeguard themselves and others from exploitation and sex trafficking victimization.

You are not alone in your struggles.

Learn more at TheBraveSeries.com or visit us at ReleasingGenerations.org CREDITS: 14-16 “Brave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, /brave. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024. “Bold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, /bold. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024. 108-109 Photography by Nancy Vuu. Brave & Bold Volume 01 (Faith) – 11/2024

FOR GUYS OF FAITH

DISCOVER PURPOSE

The Journey: 01

Journey

Journey

HE IS BRAVE & BOLD ................ 08 Defining What is Brave & Bold

LET IT GO The Value of Forgiveness

KNOW YOURSELF ..................... 24 Becoming Self-Aware

GOOD GRIEF Dealing with Losses in Life

STAND FIRM ............................ 38 Being Secure and Confident

UNRAVELLING EMOTIONS Navigating Anger, Fear, and Anxiety

CONNECTING WITH GOD ........... 56 Growing in Relationship with God

STAY THE COURSE Persevering Through Hardships

YOUR DESIGN .......................... 68 Discovering Your Uniqueness

PARENTS AND YOU Exploring the Impact of Parents

BORN TO CREATE ..................... 84 Activating Your Creativity

FORGED IN COMMUNITY The Value of Belonging to a Community

Discover Purpose

Dig Deeper

FREEDOM TO DREAM ............... 100 Dreaming Big for Your Life

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Discover Purpose

Journey

Journey

BUILDING YOUR CORE Establishing Character

PORNOGRAPHY The Negative Effects of Pornography

VALUES TO LIVE BY Embracing Key Values for Success

OVERCOMING TRAUMA Understanding Trauma

LEADERSHIP Becoming an Effective Leader

SEX ABUSE Addressing Sexual Abuse

FRIENDSHIP Building Healthy Friendships

SEX TRAFFICKING Protect Yourself and Others from Victimization

GUYS AND GIRLS Honoring Girls and Women

RISING STRONG Onward with Vision and Purpose

HE PROTECTS Guarding, Defending, and Supporting Others

THE BROTHERHOOD The Value of Men Arising

Develop Foundation

Daring Pursuit

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“Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.”

Douglas MacArthur

Chapter 01

HE IS

Brave & Bold A FOUNDATION FOR LAUNCHING.

As we dive into the first chapter, let’s explore: What does godly, authentic masculinity look like?

What does it mean for you to be brave and bold?

What kind of man will you be?

How will your life be defined?

Our search for answers begins now!

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JESUS: THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF MASCULINITY.

by Derek and Danielle Devine

“In choosing a path of love, compassion, and justice, Jesus shows that true masculinity involves strength in vulnerability and the rejection of harmful stereotypes.”

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In a world where the definition of being a man can feel like a puzzle missing a few pieces, one figure stands out as the ultimate example of true manhood—Jesus. His life is a roadmap filled with lessons on assertiveness, compassion, gentleness, and standing up for what’s right.

It’s like the guidebook every guy needs to navigate the twists and turns of masculinity.

that treated them as second-class citizens. In John 8:1-11, there is a story of a woman caught in adultery.

Jesus stepped in and stopped the whole stoning scene.

He basically said, “Hold up, you’re not perfect either.”

Jesus confronted her accusers and challenged them to reflect on their own shortcomings. It was a genius move, showing that being protective means having both the heart and the strength to stand up for people who can’t stand up for themselves. This act showcased Jesus as a defender of the vulnerable and a model of how men should treat women—with dignity and protection.

Assertiveness and Confidence: Jesus displayed remarkable assertiveness throughout his life, fearlessly challenging societal norms and speaking out against injustice. Imagine Jesus in action, flipping tables in the temple to tackle corruption (Matthew 21:12-13). It’s not about making a scene; it’s about showing us it’s okay to stand up against injustice, even when it means going against the crowd. Jesus was and is all about being authentic and standing up for what is right and true.

Rejecting Over-Aggressive Masculinity: Jesus’ example stands in stark contrast to over-aggressive, unhealthy masculinity, which promotes aggression, dominance, and a disregard for the well-being of others.

In choosing a path of love, compassion, and justice, Jesus shows that true masculinity involves strength in vulnerability and the rejection of harmful stereotypes.

Compassion: At the core of Jesus’ masculinity is compassion. He empathized with the struggles of others and offered healing and forgiveness in numerous instances.

Jesus was a warrior, a superhero with a heart of gold.

When he met a grieving widow (Luke 7:13), he didn’t just offer a sympathy pat on the back; he genuinely cared. When Lazarus died, Jesus cried. This showed real strength—feeling and supporting others when they’re down.

Active, not Passive: And here’s the plot twist—Jesus wasn’t a passive bystander. His life was like an epic saga filled with intentional actions. Healing the sick, challenging the religious big shots, and comforting the broken-hearted—this guy was on a mission. His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) encouraged a proactive approach to living a life of righteousness. He showcased that being a guy isn’t about sitting on the sidelines; it’s about getting in the game and making a positive impact. Jesus exemplified an active and purposeful masculinity.

Gentleness: The other radical concept is this—gentleness is Jesus’s style. In Matthew 11:29, he calls himself “gentle and lowly in heart.” He hits us with a radical, confusing idea: you can be strong without needing to flex muscles. Jesus throws a curveball at the idea that being a guy means being aggressive.

Jesus provides a blueprint for authentic and positive masculinity by embracing assertiveness, confidence, compassion, gentleness, and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable. In a world that often confuses strength with aggression and gentleness with weakness, Jesus emerges as the ultimate role model for men of all ages.

Real strength? It’s about standing strong in the truth but seeing and loving those around Him. Protecting the Weak: Jesus always protected the weak, especially women, despite living in a culture

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A REVOLUTION OF THE HEART: THE MASCULINE JOURNEY.

by Christopher Yanuaria

“Be brave and bold in your own unique way.”

While growing up, many voices told me what it means to be a man. Everywhere I turned—from the movies I watched, my social media feed, TV ads, my friends, and family members—I was constantly swamped by messages telling me how to be happy and successful as a man. These voices told me I had to be in control, be aggressive, never back down from a fight, be dominant, independent, disconnected from my emotions (specifically sadness because anger was okay), and have sex with many women. Some people refer to this definition of a man as the “man box.”

was hard because I was a kind and gentle kid who cared for people. Most boys start off this way. I didn’t know how to be mean and how not to care. From that young age, I learned how to silence that side of me because it was unacceptable.

All I ever wanted was to be loved, respected, and accepted.

I felt like I couldn’t be real because I believed being truly myself equaled being weak and unlovable. Every day I would get dressed and not even realize I was wearing a mask. This mask was a way to hide my true self that I was ashamed of, and a way to manage everyone’s opinions about me.

I remember first feeling pressured to live in the “man box” when I started middle school. Most popular boys were mean and bullied kids like me who were outside their friend group.

They were tough, excelled in sports, and dated lots of girls.

These boys were accepted and respected in our school. It

Being this macho kind of guy did get me more friends, and I didn’t get bullied as much, so that was a plus. But these weren’t the kind of friendships where I felt safe to be open and honest about what was really going on in my life. I felt

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more pressured to perform because we competed to see who was more “manly.”

and significance were sitting in the hands of the One who created me.

Trying always to prove my manhood was tiring.

I have come to believe that being an empowered man encompasses noble attributes such as:

It was also frustrating because the more and more I tried to fit into other people’s expectations of masculinity, the more I felt lonely and empty inside. Throughout my teen years, I struggled with bouts of depression and thoughts of suicide.

These were difficult times in my life.

▶ takes personal responsibility. ▶ is reliable and trustworthy. ▶ is teachable and pursues personal growth and emotional health. ▶ makes sacrifices for the good of others and worthy causes. ▶ does the right thing, even when it is inconvenient and no one is looking. ▶ serves others and is generous. ▶ connects to others in healthy ways. ▶ displays both courage and tender compassion. ▶ is caring and a good listener. ▶ carries himself with confidence without being rude or obnoxious. ▶ treats others with honor and respect. ▶ works hard and seldom complains. ▶ perseveres through challenges. ▶ has a sense of humor and is witty without being sarcastic. ▶ is committed and loyal. ▶ creates a safe place for others. ▶ lives with a sense of purpose.

Starting from a very young age, our culture tends to approve of men based on their external appearance, material possessions, social or professional status, and how we perform.

In addition, many TV shows and sitcoms often display men and fathers as silly, dumb, clueless, useless, passive, incompetent, and irritating. I also had to reject such negative examples of men.

But true masculinity focuses on internal validation. So, we must ask ourselves: ▶ Who am I as a person? ▶ How do I treat people around me? ▶ How do I deal with conflict? ▶ What am I insecure about? ▶ What’s my capacity to share the full range of my emotions with others?

And so much more.

Looking back on my teenage years, I realize that I allowed the opinions of others and my culture to define who I was.

Coming to know Christ during my senior year of high school completely transformed how I viewed myself. I knew that I needed to define who I was from a higher truth.

And it’s important to mention that yes, good guys can shed tears, despite what older cultural messages may have said.

I believe radical self-acceptance of who God says I am is the foundation of what it means to be a man, and this has ignited a revolution in my heart toward an ongoing journey of loving who I am.

God, I hear all these voices telling me who I am or who I should be, but what do you say about me? In my most broken of moments and my messiest of days, who do you say I am?

I encourage you to journey toward accepting and loving the person God has created you to be. Aspire to be an example of someone who walks with confidence and character. Expand your thinking on the potential you have within you and the possibilities for your future to make a positive difference. Be brave and bold in your own unique way.

With the help of several older and wiser Christian men and women who mentored me, I began to redefine myself and allow love in. I began to see myself in the light of how God sees me, as lovable (1 John 4:19), enough (2 Corinthians 3:5), accepted (Romans 15:7), and beautiful (Songs of Solomon 4:7).

In the next two articles, let’s explore what it means to be brave and what it means to be bold…

Once I experienced God’s unconditional love and acceptance, there was no need for me to prove my worth and value, or for others to validate me. Ultimately, my identity, security,

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brave/brāv/ Adjective.

Having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty: having or showing courage.

BRAVE.

by Joshua Ko

“So be strong and courageous!

Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT 14

A life of bravery is not the absence of fears and doubts but the courage to face them daily. While being afraid of the dark, heights, or falling might not affect you, a fear that everyone faces is the fear of rejection.

The countdown began.

10, 9, 8…

What was I thinking? How did I get here? Why did I put myself in this situation? These questions raced through my head as I stood at the top of a 15-foot, refurbished wooden telephone pole about to make the “Leap of Faith.” Across from me hung the target—a rusty chain swing attached by a metal pole. I would have to leap forward and hang on for dear life!

The fear of rejection keeps you from opening your heart to people who really care and love you. In the face of the unknown, God encouraged his people, “I have commanded you, ‘Be strong and courageous! Don’t tremble or be terrified because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ (Joshua 1:9)

7, 6, 5, 4…

3, 2, 1 … JUMP!!!

My heart was racing. Sweat dripped down my brow, and my hands were clammy from my nervousness. At that moment, my eleven-year-old mind seemed to have forgotten all the instructions given by the camp director.

Conveniently, I also remembered that I had a great fear of heights and fear of falling!

With all my might, I jumped toward the swing! Unfortunately, as I flew through the sky, I misjudged the distance and overjumped! I was not able to hold on for very long.

While I didn’t “succeed” in this challenge, I succeeded in overcoming fear. In fact, the fear became fun, and I did it several times later and eventually succeeded in the “leap of faith.”

Will I make it? Do I have what it takes? What if I fall?

“Living a brave life is not easy. We trip, stumble, and fall. It is the rise from the falling that makes us brave.” – Brené Brown

The distance between me and the swing seemed to get bigger and bigger with each second. Fear gripped my heart, saying, “Don’t do it! Turn around! Give up!”

Those “5 seconds of courage, bravery, or crazy” broke the fear in my life and opened me to a new self-discovery, allowing me to live a wild, free, and adventurous life.

Face your fears with courage! You are stronger than you think you are.

It’s interesting how clear the voice of fear becomes when faced with unknowns. While fear is a natural human emotion that moves us to persevere and protect ourselves from imminent danger, an unhealthy fear can keep us locked up and paralyzed from self-discovery and realizing our potential.

“Surprise yourself every day with your own courage.”

Denholm Elliott

Fear will give you many excuses and bury you with worry and anxiety.

God urges us over 100 times in the Bible to be brave, courageous, and fear not!

But every young man was created for adventure. John Eldredge, author of Wild at Heart, states, “Deep in his heart, every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live...”

Know that God calls you His mighty Brave-Heart.

“Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes courage is that little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”

Mary Anne Radmacher

How do we address fear?

Be brave. The enemy of fear is BRAVERY, COURAGE, and a little bit of CRAZY.

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bold/bōld/ Adjective.

Fearless before danger. Showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit.

BOLD.

by Joshua Ko

“We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.“ Marianne Williamson 16

What comes to your mind when you think of the word BOLD?

The journey to becoming bold and courageous begins by anchoring your identity on the truth, that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) for a great plan and purpose (Jeremiah 29:11).

If you are like me, I am quick to dismiss myself. I think of all the people who are “BOLD and COURAGEOUS” in the face of danger.

The Bible points out, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

But could I be bold like that?

You were created to walk in confidence in who you are and to encourage others to do the same.

These people possess a supernatural ability to muster the inner strength to push the limits, to go where no man has gone before, and do things that have never been done. I think of Steve Rogers, later to be known as the Avenger, Captain America, who, without hesitation, jumped on a grenade to save the lives of those around him. While Steve Rogers is a Hollywood character, many real unsung “heroes” act in selfless boldness, giving their lives for others.

This part of being bold allows you to: ▶ Find your voice. In what ways are you unique?

What is meaningful to you? ▶ Dream Big. Dream with no limitations. What would you want to do? What are your dreams?

I think about people like Neil Armstrong of Apollo 11, the first man to walk the moon or Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

“Often, in the real world, it’s not the smart that get ahead but the bold.” – Robert Kiyosaki

Boldness is seen in those who fought for civil rights, like President Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Rosa Parks. Their bold words and actions birthed a revolutionary movement to free enslaved people and conquer racism.

▶ Discover your passions. What do you like to do?

What are you willing to try?

While reading of these great heroes is inspiring, I automatically dismiss myself because I don’t possess that “boldness.” How can I make a difference or do great things when I am overwhelmed by shyness, fears, and insecurities? Do I have what it takes to do great things?

“The greatest failure is the failure to try.”

William Arthur Ward

▶ Make mistakes. We can learn, grow, and gain valuable wisdom from our mistakes.

Ask the Lord to give you boldness—He can strengthen you in each situation! The Holy Spirit gives us the boldness to take the right stand to take bold, godly steps, and He helps us to speak out to make a positive difference.

The reality is that each of these individuals did not just wake up with boldness and confidence in themselves.

Many of them probably felt like they didn’t possess it. The first act of courage is resisting conformity and being the best YOU. Being Bold begins with (*PUN alert) being “Younique.”

“When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.” – Psalm 138:3 NIV There will be moments when “fitting in” is the most comfortable thing to do, but when the opportunity arises to “stand out,” take it.

The first step into boldness is being the best version of you. The famous American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson stated, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Ponder this quote on the next page by Marianne Williamson as an inspiration to grow in boldness:

Continued

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“The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but THE GODLY ARE AS BOLD AS LIONS.” Proverbs 28:1 NLT, capitals and bold added

Journal your thoughts on defining what you think brave means and/or what bold means.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles.”

“Boldness doesn’t mean rude, obnoxious, loud, or disrespectful. Being bold is being firm, sure, confident, fearless, daring, strong, resilient, and not easily intimidated. It means you’re willing to go where you’ve never been, willing to try what you’ve never tried, and willing to trust what you’ve never trusted.

Boldness is quiet, not noisy.” – Mike Yaconelli

There are times to be gentle and times to hold back… and then there are times to be bold!

In the space below, use your imagination and doodle what bravery looks like:

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I am

Mindful Lettering: When you write something down, it reinforces the concept and helps it to stick in your memory. Trace the lettering. It does not have to be perfect. You may rewrite the phrasae a number of times on the page. Enjoy the process of mindful lettering.

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SO THE ADVENTURE BEGINS.

by Kai Klein

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”

Amelia Earhart, American aviator pioneer

Adventure is a word that warns of taking great risks; it gives you the anticipation that exciting circumstances are coming.

It means diving into the unknown even though it involves vulnerability and sometimes even danger.

Now, for clarification, experiencing adventure in life doesn’t always look like an action-adventure movie. It’s not always scoring touchdowns in a football game, being a stunt driver for a race car movie, exploring uncharted mountain trails, or catching the biggest wave as a surfer. It’s not always bombastic and outrageous and dangerous. Let’s be realistic. Not all of us are going to be called to do those things.

In your life, there are mountains to be conquered, dreams to be fulfilled, battles to be won, miracles of God to encounter, and possibilities to be explored.

Yet, you can experience remarkable adventures with Jesus.

In the Bible, look no further than the life of Paul. Paul’s life was radically changed by Jesus, and Paul dedicated his life to doing whatever and going wherever God called him, even if it meant pushing through challenges. Along the way, he went through shipwrecks, long days and nights of travel, snake bites,

I believe we were all created to have a sense of adventure—to be a bit wild at heart at times and to accomplish worthy goals. Adventure can look different for every person and in the different seasons of life. We were not meant to be bored and passive and settle for the mundane, simply coping in life.

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and prison time, and yet he experienced the unspeakable joy of seeing God do supernatural miracles! Each situation in Paul’s life was used as a world-changing testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Here are some helpful perspectives and attitudes that can help you along the way: ▶ Anticipate. Decide to anticipate a positive outcome.

How about taking a moment at times to stir up a bit of excitement and wonder, “What will happen next?”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

▶ Discover! Explore! Stay curious and be a lifelong learner. Being open to new experiences is part of adventuring.

Your adventure with God starts when you say “yes” to His call.

No matter what that call is, have the mindset of “wherever you lead me, Lord, I will follow.” This involves taking a headfirst dive into the unknown…a full-on ‘trust fall’ into a deep and endless space where all you know is that you can trust God with everything.

▶ Grow in your flexibility and resiliency. Yes, stress can hit us at times when things do not go as planned or expected…but adopting an attitude of adventure that involves being flexible, can help you to see unexpected gifts and experience personal growth!

Give your ambitions, hopes, and entire life to God, knowing He desires the very best for you, His beloved son. Take that leap of full surrender to His will and watch how He will use you to do amazing work for His glory beyond your wildest imagination.

▶ Take joy in the moment. You may have big goals and dreams—but don’t forget to enjoy the process, and don’t be so distracted that you miss out on adventurous moments in your day. Remember, the journey is an adventure.

Take off the limits you put on yourself and what God can do in and through you.

▶ Life is a gift. Start each day realizing that. Find adventure in something you do today.

Let your love for God be put into action in the form of obedient faithfulness. There is nothing more exciting or thrilling than stepping forward into God’s specific calling for you, equipped with not much more than what little faith you already have.

▶ Progress is usually not a straight line upward.

When on an adventure, you could get lost, accidents can happen, and you could get sidetracked! Yet you could discover and learn new things—even if it is what not to do again! Sometimes, going in circles for a bit is part of the adventure and process! Be patient and expectant for opportunities you would not have had or people you would not have met otherwise!

Do not always stay in your comfort zone. Regarding personal growth and living life to the fullest daily, we must be willing to break out of our comfort zone and take some leaps of faith.

The most interesting people I know are those who have taken significant steps out of their comfort zone.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Neale Donald Walsh

What risks are you willing to take to become a world changer?

Are you ready to live an exciting life and really start making an impact in the lives of those around you?

Embrace the ‘attitude of adventure.’ Whether you see yourself as adventurous or not, life happens. You get to decide how you will approach each situation.

I can guarantee you this: the plan that God has for your life is far more meaningful than whatever agenda it is you’ve come up with for your own life. The steps you take to pursue God prepare you for the adventure of a lifetime!

“Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.” – Bob Bitchin

As you begin this Brave and Bold journey you are on, may the Lord activate your sense of adventure and purpose in greater ways!

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Journal Describe what your family, community, and culture have communicated to you about what masculinity looks like. How does this compare to who Jesus is and what he modeled as the perfect man?

mindful doodling 22

Chapter 1: He is Brave & Bold ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

• • • • •

Jesus: The Perfect Example of Masculinity.

A Revolution of the Heart: The Masculine Journey.

Brave.

Bold.

So the Adventure Begins.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

You may or may not currently have a mentor in your life, but men in the Bible can also mentor you through their lives. Read about the life of one of the following men and note admirable qualities as well as weaknesses you observe as they faced various circumstances. How was the person you chose brave and bold?

• • • •

Joseph David Abraham Noah

• Gideon • Another man of your choice

2.

Ask the Lord to highlight a man in your life whom you respect. It could be a teacher, a pastor, an uncle, a coach, or your dad. Ask to spend 20-30 minutes with them. Share with them a few things you appreciate about them (such as their confidence, leadership, compassion, etc.) Ask if they could share with you a bit of their life story and how they gained the qualities you admire and appreciate about them.

to use to speak through regarding being brave, bold, or any other trait of a good and great man. Take a picture of it. As you look at the photo, ask the Lord to help you glean meaning from this visual. If you don’t have a smartphone, sketch what is highlighted.

Examples: You might take a photo of an ant. An ant gets things done, works hard, perseveres, and finds a way around obstacles. Such abilities display the qualities of a great man with a good work ethic!

You may notice a gardener watering his yard, and his water hose catches your attention. Fresh, clean water flows to saturate the lawn, providing the much-needed moisture and refreshment for growing plants. Think about how a strong leader cares for and nurtures those under his leadership so they can thrive.

4.

Sketch a picture or write a poem expressing positive, great traits of empowered masculinity that can make a difference in the lives of others. Include any new insights you gained after reading this chapter.

3.

Pictures are memorable and can communicate meaning. Using your phone, take a walk outside and ask the Lord to highlight an object, an animal, or a plant that is a visual example of something He wants

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

Text 494949 to chat now | FREE Mental Health Chat Center | 24/7 for those over 13 years old.

1-888-373-7888 | Toll-Free Hotline | 24/7 23 | Confidential | Get Help. Report Trafficking.

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences and failing to achieve anything useful.”

Margaret J. Wheatley

Chapter 02

Know Yourself BECOME SELF-AWARE. The questions you ask yourself...matter!

As we kick off this journey, remember that self-awareness is a valuable tool for growth. Take time to ponder the fresh insights shared and keep an eye on the emotions that rise within you. It’s important to realize that it takes an open heart, time, and effort to embrace new, healthy, and godly perspectives for living. May what you discover bring great value to your life.

Being self-aware isn’t something that comes naturally—it’s a skill to develop and practice! It is a key to personal growth, allowing you to learn from your experiences, make positive changes, and make wiser choices.

Self-awareness helps you connect with your emotions, enabling you to handle them in a healthy way rather than bottling them up or reacting impulsively.

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Self-awareness also helps us improve our relationships by understanding others and learning how to communicate more effectively.

When you are reflecting, consider involving the Lord and trusted individuals. Sometimes, we don’t fully understand our own hearts, but God knows us inside and out. His insights may surprise you! When you discuss your thoughts with someone who truly knows you and supports you, they can offer valuable perspectives.

In this next chapter, you will be reflecting on relevant topics that will help you to know yourself better. You may become aware of negative beliefs you have about yourself that need to change. You will also gain practical keys to grow in self-acceptance and confidence.

WHO ARE YOU?

by KaHill Liddell

The world is waiting...

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Ever wonder why God created you? What is your purpose?

In my journey of God-discovery and self-discovery, I have learned 3 things:

The world bombards us with distracting and conflicting voices, telling us who we should be or what we should be doing. The pressure and expectations to fit certain molds or roles can come from others or even from ourselves.

1. Without a firm foundation of knowing who you are and your uniqueness, others will try to mold you into what they want you to be.

2. Your place in life may change, but the core of who you are does not.

3. You do not have to fight for your identity, but you must discover and embrace your brilliant identity found in Christ.

Some of the most important questions you will ask yourself in life are this: ▶ Who am I really? Am I “good enough” to really cut it? ▶ Will I be able not to repeat a cycle I have seen my parents or myself struggle with? ▶ Will people like me despite the color of my skin or my cultural background? ▶ Am I valuable? ▶ Will people like me if I show them who I really am?

It’s an identity that forms a person. It’s an identity that builds a community. It’s an identity that shapes a nation.

You may be known as the smart one, the serious one, the funny one, the creative one, the shy one, the crazy one, the stable one, the sporty one, the artistic one, the expressive one, the laid-back one, or the bossy one.

The most beautiful questions are the hardest because they come from a real place in our hearts. We are always asking them whether we know it or not.

Being a brave and bold man does not have to do with conforming to cultural stereotypes. For example, you can aspire to work in a profession as:

Next question: where do you go for validation? ▶ a dancer ▶ a pilot ▶ an athlete ▶ a mechanic ▶ a baker ▶ a fashion designer ▶ an entrepreneur

Is it your parents or family members? Your friends?

Your co-workers or people patting you on the back and saying, “Great job,”?

Do you strive for recognition as a student, an athlete, or in some other performance-driven arena? Or do you not even try to achieve success because you believe you will fail?

▶ a screenwriter ▶ a scientist ▶ a marketing expert ▶ a construction worker ▶ a hairstylist ▶ a teacher ▶ and so much more!

Being a great and exceptional man really has to do with your unique inner qualities and values.

What matters is what you put your identity in.

What lies behind those labels and roles when they’re stripped away? There is so much more to you than labels—labels are limiting. There is untapped potential within you waiting to be uncovered.

The Truth: Your worth does not come from how many friends you have, how talented you are in something, the clothes you wear, or how high your grades are in school. It’s not even based on your ‘performance,’ though the world may say this. Though tempting, be careful not to base your value on how many followers or likes you have on social media.

God places immense value upon you and gives you a greater and broader purpose than you could ever imagine.

You are on a journey of discovering the complex, intricate, and extraordinary facets of yourself that God has placed within you! The world is waiting.

“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”

Romans 8:19 NIV

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There is so much more to you than labels.

At the beginning of each day, you can ask yourself: What kind of person do I want to be today?

What attribute do I want to grow in? (for example, patience or kindness) What is the one thing I really want to accomplish today?

At the end of each day, you can ask yourself:

Some helpful self-awareness questions.

What went well today?

What did not go well—would I do anything differently?

What is something I learned or discovered today?

What is one thing I learned about myself today?

What 3 things am I grateful for?

If you had a concerning incident, you could ask yourself: Why did I react that way?

How do I feel about that?

Why do I feel this way? Does it remind me of a past experience?

There are numerous self-reflection questions a person can ask themselves depending on the situation—but you can start with a few each day to grow in your own self-awareness!

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Self-awareness gives you the capacity to learn from your mistakes as well as your successes. It enables you to keep growing.

If you want to change and grow, then you must know yourself and accept who you are before you can start building.

Lawrence Bossidy

John Maxwell

If your emotional abilities aren’t in hand, if you don’t have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can’t have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine.

Test yourselves...

2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

Daniel Goleman

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ACTIVIT Y

DISCOVER YOU! DO THIS. GETTING TO KNOW YOURSELF. What runs you down? Stresses you out? Makes you angry? Makes you afraid?

Makes you sad? Makes you happy?

I feel emotionally drained when:

I dislike:

I lack peace.

losing.

I am unhappy.

being wrong.

I don’t feel safe.

being in conflict with someone.

I feel overwhelmed by challenges.

being rejected.

I get excited and energized when: I get things done.

I am getting along well with others.

I am involved and gather others to join in.

I gather facts and knowledge and am accurate.

Do I :

I usually feel refreshed and energized when:

Tend to see the cup half full (I tend to focus on the positive).

I am around people interacting with them.

When I have my alone time.

Tend to see the cup half empty (I tend to focus on the negative).

Rank 1-6, 1 being the number describing you most, and 6 being the number describing you least.

I feel most loved by people when: They give me a gift.

They take time to do activities with me that I enjoy.

They give me a hug or physical affection.

They take time to listen to me and have quality conversations.

They say affirming, encouraging words to me verbally or written.

What makes you feel alive and sets your heart on fire?

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They do things for me.

KNOW THYSELF.

What builds you up?

What is that one thing that gives you energy?

What in particular do you have FUN doing?

What are 3-6 top things you value?

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.“ – E.E. Cummings

mindful doodling 31

“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

I Samuel 16:7 NLT

THE COMPARISON TRAP.

by Leila Fujinaka Certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach

Do you have a difficult time accepting yourself or parts of yourself? What are the barriers that prevent you from fully embracing who you are?

myself to. I tried to hide my flaws and compared my weaknesses to other people’s strengths.

Once I learned about the negative power that comparing myself to others had over me, I searched for keys to break out of this trap and committed to change! This freedom is available to you too.

One of the quickest ways to become discouraged, envious, or intimidated is to compare yourself to others. Learn 5 KEYS to accepting yourself and be FREE from the Comparison Trap!

1. STARVE THE MONSTER. Protect your thoughts from negativity. Do you define yourself through the lens of a mean inner critic, leading you to compare yourself to others? A negative outlook influences your thoughts and magnifies your shortcomings. This way of thinking is a trap! It can take hold and make it hard for you to change how you view yourself.

I’m so excited you’ve started your journey! For many years, I damaged my self-esteem by constantly comparing myself to others, and I didn’t even realize it! I often found myself trying to be someone I was not. I denied my true identity and uniqueness by shrinking back and being less so that I could be like the person I compared

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and make needed adjustments. Everyone experiences failure. If you’ll allow yourself to be mentored by your mistakes, you’ll be further ahead than your counterparts.

Give yourself grace and patience in the process. Learn to accept your role in the failure, but don’t stew in the negative emotions! You can move forward with more wisdom and insights that you gained.

In today’s world, negative influences primarily come from other people, news, media, and social media.

In fact, more than 50% of news and 62% of social media is negative! Friends and family can affect your self-esteem and mess with your inner thoughts, leaving you discouraged about your future and life.

2. OWN IT!! MISFIT IS YOUR SWEET SPOT! Ever feel like a misfit? Do you find when comparing yourself to others, you try to copy what others do or think, only to realize that’s just not you? This is a common pitfall of unique individuals who feel like misfits. They feel like they don’t fit in even when they try their hardest to.

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” – Maya Angelou 5. SERIOUSLY CULTIVATE SELF-AWARENESS! Do you find you are defensive? Controlling? Are you unable to recognize how other people experience you?

When we improve our self-awareness, we find that we will become more comfortable with who we are.

Self-awareness is not something you are born with, it’s a skill you practice and develop!

Each of us is created to see the world in our own way, with unique ways of thinking or displaying a unique personality. If you find yourself feeling like a fish out of water, find a new stream, one that suits you. If you’ve spent a lot of time comparing yourself to others, it will most likely take a bit of time for you to adjust your perspective and create a new ‘ideal you.’ You may discover your true self for the first time!

If you struggle with comparing yourself to others, know that you are not alone in this struggle. Comparison can rear its ugly head at any given moment no matter what age you are, but it doesn’t have to be that way. My greatest joy would be that you would implement some of the points in this article and begin developing the self-awareness to know when comparison is trying to hook you once again.

3. GET PERSONAL WITH GRATITUDE! Are you aware of how much time is lost when focused on comparing yourself to other people? Comparison takes your eyes off your goals and can cause you to feel bad about how you’re doing. When we focus on other people’s paths rather than our own, we lose perspective on where we are headed and lose sight of the progress we’ve made.

Take the time to look at what you’ve accomplished so far and measure yourself against yourself, not another person. Be grateful for the many things you have in your life. Trade the trap of comparison for inner acceptance and contentment.

4. PICK YOURSELF BACK UP AFTER A FAILURE. Ouch! Ever made some pretty huge mistakes or experienced painful failures? I have. Have you ever compared yourself to those you think have never made those same mistakes? Get this: Embarrassment from a failure is NOT the end of the world! Perfection comparison can cause us to feel helpless, stressed, or shameful. However, failures and mistakes, though painful in the moment, can be a great help to us if we’re able to learn from them

You are a powerful young man with so much to conquer ahead of you AND so much to offer the world. You do not have to look or be like someone else. In fact, comparing ourselves pushes us towards being phony. The world is tired of phony. Be on a mission to embrace your unique personality, your unique style, and your unique characteristics. There isn’t anyone like you...so live out your uniqueness courageously!

“Make careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” - Galatians 6:4-5 MSG “...we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives.

Each of us is an original.” – Galatians 5:26 MSG

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REFRAMING HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF.

by Michele Okimura

YOU ARE A GIFT.

YOU ARE AN OVERCOMER. BELIEVE YOU HAVE GREATNESS WITHIN YOU. BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF.

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“The most important words we will ever utter are the words we say to ourselves, about ourselves, when we are by ourselves.” – Al Walker

Later that same day, the Lord prompted me to find my binder of transcribed encouraging God-words that people had given me over the years. He directed me to read what a young man, Rabson Chandaro from Tanzania, Africa, had shared with me several years earlier. I didn’t realize until I read what Rabson had shared that God was seriously wanting to correct my perception!

Are you thankful for who you are & are becoming?

There was a time last year when God was having me rethink how I saw myself. As I dove into creating content for the Brave & Beautiful publication for teen girls (the counterpart to Brave & Bold), I faced many challenging experiences. Even though I was super excited about this project, I also felt a bit of pressure with the decisions I had to make. I relied on God a lot, seeking His wisdom and help.

Here is an excerpt of what Rabson shared with me: “...It’s about how you view yourself. If you have a small view of who you are, you will build something that equals your view of you. You are not building something that is yours. You are building His [work], so definitely you HAVE to buy HIS picture, His vision. You will view things the way HE does.

View yourself the way HE does!”

Honestly, up to that point, I had found it difficult to see myself as a confident, courageous woman...although I desired so much to be just that!

I was really touched by what Rabson shared. I’m hoping that his words hit home for you as well.

God understood the struggle I was going through, and little did I know, He was gearing up to tackle my negative beliefs head-on. I was unexpectedly confronted with this issue many times on a particular Friday when I had back-to-back meetings with people throughout the workday. The shocker? From morning to late afternoon, a total of six different people (completely unrelated to each other) ended up telling me the exact same thing!

What kind of life do you and I want to have? A life that counts and makes a big difference in the world, or a life that is insignificant? Let’s take the limits off of ourselves and dream big!

Take a moment to thank God for giving you life and for how He created you. Thank Him for how He is working for good in your life, even though sometimes it is hard to see at the moment. There are many facets to who you are.

While discussing work-related topics with each of them, they each paused at some point to let me know that they saw me as a courageous, brave woman of faith. One of them even mentioned how my courage and confidence were a real inspiration to him! I was genuinely taken aback!

Reframe how you see yourself. Think God thoughts.

You are learning an overcoming lifestyle. Instead of being overwhelmed with what you are not, you can be overwhelmed with who God is for you! Reframe how you see yourself and celebrate every bit of growth you make in Him.

Could it be God wanted me to reframe how I saw myself? YES! Sometimes, other people can see the gold in you that you can’t see yourself.

Believe you have greatness within you.

You are an overcomer.

Be patient with yourself.

You are a gift.

Confidence is the fruit of knowing and believing who God says you are.

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Journal In addition to journaling with words, you can also do Mindful Doodling!

Whether stick figures or intricate designs, release your creativity!

Growing in self-awareness will help you to have greater influence over the outcomes of situations you face and can help you gain healthier perspectives in life.

Knowing yourself better will often help you to make wiser decisions and grow in confidence. When you are more attuned to your thoughts and emotions, you can better identify negative emotions and reactions that may be harmful to your emotional well-being.

Journal: What stood out to you in this chapter regarding any new discoveries you had about who you are and your unique design? You can also journal about any aspect of yourself that you felt affirmed and encouraged in.

Draw yourself as something in nature. Then ask the Lord if there is anything He wants you to know from what you drew—any insights?

mindful doodling Look over the list of words below. Circle the words that you connect with the most and stand out to you. organized free creative strong friendly humble brave resourceful loyal generous

confident musical artistic considerate respect imaginative independent brilliant intelligent honest

practical adventurous safe hard-working daring responsible successful helpful loving compassion

persevere overcoming visionary unity collaboration ambitious competitive energetic determined witty

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fun peaceful joyful mercy justice trust wisdom tolerant relaxed faithful

flexible capable dynamic healing encourage beautiful bold healthy exciting devoted

excellence kind protect leader humor integrity spiritual genuine wild action

Chapter 2: Know Yourself ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

• Who Are You? • The Comparison Trap.

• Reframing How You See Yourself.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

Make a list of the 5-7 top values that are most important to you. This affirmation activity can help you to believe in your worth. What you value matters—it is part of your identity and your contribution to the world around you.

2.

Write a letter to your future self in 20 years. Be free and creative. This will help you to get in touch with your emotions and inner thoughts. You can include some of your goals, hopes, recent accomplishments, current emotions, challenges, and struggles. Include a prayer for your future life.

4.

Informally interview someone who you know genuinely cares about you and who you trust and respect. Explain to them that you want to grow in self-awareness and would like their input. Below are some possible questions you could ask them to help you to be more aware of what they see in you and what they have observed about you: • How would you describe me in 3 words?

• What are five positive character traits you see in me?

• What are three things you have observed I am good at doing?

• What is one area I could work on improving?

• What is one way I have added value to your life?

3.

Write an uplifting letter to your younger self 5- 10 years ago. Just like the previous activity, this can help you to get in touch with your emotions, and realize the wisdom and insights you have gained. What are some things you would have wanted someone to have prayed for you or supported you in back then? What encouraging words would you have wanted to say to your younger self?

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

Text 494949 to chat now | FREE Mental Health Chat Center | 24/7 for those over 13 years old.

1-888-373-7888 | Toll-Free Hotline | 24/7 37 | Confidential | Get Help. Report Trafficking.

“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”

Abraham Lincoln

Chapter 03

Stand Firm Do you believe God when He calls you His Chosen One, His Beloved Son, His Joy, His Delight, His Treasure?

GROW IN CONFIDENCE. It is essential to establish yourself and stand firm on the foundation of truth that you are important, special, unique, and have immense value—what God says about you. You must not define your worth by what others say or even what negative things you may say about yourself.

For many, it is often difficult to believe such truths.

False messages can creep into our core beliefs, which cause. us to doubt our importance. This next chapter was created to help truth make its journey from your head to your heart.

Gain strength for the journey ahead as you build a solid foundation. Stand firm in knowing the incredible worth the Lord places upon you.

From this place of knowing your worth, your values are formed, and your decisions and choices are made.

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STAND FIRM IN THE BATTLE.

by JerriAnne Webb

“Stay alert!

Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 NLT

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I’ve always loved the quote from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings where Aragon says, “Open war is upon you—whether you would risk it or not.”

Enemy forces can mess with your head and push you towards thoughts and actions that steer you away from God’s incredible plans for you. The enemy knows that God loves you and is on your side. The enemy knows you have the power to defeat him as you tap into the strength of the Holy Spirit. The enemy knows your worth and potential to do great exploits for God and His Kingdom. And guess what? The enemy can’t stand any of it, so he’s always looking for ways to throw you off track.

There is a warrior inside of you.

This day was made for you, and you were born to face challenges head-on. The good news is that you’ve got everything it takes to come out on top, even when you doubt yourself. Remember that God can provide what you need as you seek Him. He’ll even bring folks into your life who’ll have your back and lift you up. We’re all soldiers in God’s army, so you’re never alone. Your identity is a gift from God, and your purpose is absolutely worth the battle.

Put on your Armor.

God has provided His supernatural armor for you to wear and battle in.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

The Battlefield of your Mind.

People often say that your mind is like the biggest battleground out there. What you think about can affect your emotions and what you do. When you’re going through times like sadness, pain, trauma, or upset, it’s common to have a flood of negative thoughts.

Know your Enemy.

Jesus said: “ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10 NIV

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.

Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8 NLT

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.

Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” – Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

Your enemy searches for open doors in your life to plant thoughts of

God sees within you the qualities of an overcomer.

Hey, did you realize there’s a sneaky enemy that sometimes pretends to be your own thoughts? It’s critical to spot those negative views and perspectives about yourself, others, the tough stuff you’re facing, and life in general because they can get in the way of God’s awesome plans for you.

▶ defeat ▶ self-rejection ▶ suicide ▶ bitterness ▶ hatred ▶ hopelessness

Here’s a story of an overcomer, someone who truly conquered the odds with his mindset:

▶ depression ▶ cynicism ▶ fear ▶ revenge

Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist, was locked up in the Nazi death camps during World War II. Every day, he wondered if he’d see another day or face death. In those camps, he saw unimaginable horrors inflicted on people.

And more!

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One day, the Nazi soldiers split the prisoners into two groups. Viktor was terrified, thinking he was done for, as the soldiers ordered him to remove his clothes in front of them. But as Viktor’s group was led into the showers, he was taken aback when water started flowing over him. It was then that he realized the other group must have been led to their tragic end.

Ask the Lord to help you recognize the lies of the enemy.

Once you are aware of the enemy’s tactics, shut them down with the truth of who you were created to be by declaring the following: ▶ I am enough. ▶ I am good. ▶ I am strong. ▶ I have grit. ▶ I have character. ▶ I will live in wholeness. ▶ I will become the man God forged me to be before the earth’s foundation was laid. ▶ I will live with great courage as I walk into my God-given destiny. ▶ God has given me authority over the enemy.

I need to know it and walk in the authority God has given me! ▶ I will seek to walk with a pure, right heart before God, not giving the enemy a place.

Once out of the shower, a soldier handed Viktor a worn-out coat to put on. To his surprise, he discovered a note tucked in the coat’s pocket. The note read: “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is your God, The Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NLT Those words gave him the determination to keep going.

He understood that even in the darkest times, he still had the freedom to choose his attitude, outlook, and thoughts—something the war couldn’t take from him.

After being in the death camps for three years, Viktor miraculously emerged alive and victorious, whereas many others around him had lost hope and the will to live.

Years later, Viktor wrote the book “Man’s Search for Meaning,” helping millions of people know they can choose their perspective when faced with adversity.

“I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.”

1 John 2:14 NKJV “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

James 4:7 NIV Remember, God is with you. You are never alone. And you have angels also fighting on your behalf. There is light in you that the whole world needs to see. So don’t give up on who God has called you to be! Never give up on the plan of God over your life.

“Our greatest freedom is the freedom to choose our attitude.” – Victor Frankl

Light of the world, all of Heaven is cheering you on!

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

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UNAFRAID TO SHINE A poem by Joshua Kaina I have always had an adventurous spirit at heart. I almost fell off a cliff in 6th grade because I wanted to explore.

He has given me a new song and restored the creative power that has been untapped and unfulfilled for so long.

Proclaiming victory over sin, death, hell, and the grave.

But somewhere along the way, fear and anxiety crept in.

I can flow in the magnificent nature of who He designed me to be.

He did that for me. Not because I was worthless but because He saw my value.

Brave, Shining. Chosen.

I thought it better to keep myself small and contained.

All of heaven stood in silence.

I was afraid of my light because it wasn’t like others.

Unafraid. Unashamed.

Unapologetic.

The very image of God that was hidden in me but marred by the very sin that He took upon that cross.

I didn’t know that God had created me with a unique radiance of my own, that I was a divine expression of something He wanted to shine into the world.

Some men fight with sheer strength.

When He rose to new life, He simultaneously resurrected me.

Some men fight with a pen.

It’s not I who shines but the resurrection power that is released from a life created to carry His glory.

He made me fearfully and wonderfully.

I settled on believing the labels and identities that the world thought were suitable.

An acronym could never describe the potential contained in me, this earthen vessel crafted by the Master Potter.

Lies come with great cost.

Lies devour and destroy divine purposes and destinies.

Yet there is the One who restores lost years and forgotten dreams.

Some men fight with the beauty and finesse of artistry.

Through my failures, pain, and shame, He made something beautiful.

This is the era of my resurrection.

Proof of my vindication.

He is what’s beautiful about me.

Free of labels and false identities. Free of lack and fear.

When I walk into a room and the atmosphere shifts, it’s because He walked in with me.

Free to embrace the honor and inheritance of being His son, a man after His own heart.

Some men fight by surrendering.

Unafraid to shine for the glory of my King.

Jesus was led as a lamb, taking up a cross made from a tree He created.

All the while, the stormy seas of pain and anguish raged within him.

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~ you are ~ Consider who God says you are. Declare the following statements, pausing after each one, and allow yourself to feel it!

I AM GOD’S BELOVED SON. I AM HIS CHOSEN ONE. I AM MY HEAVENLY FATHER’S JOY AND DELIGHT. I AM FORGIVEN. I HAVE IMMENSE VALUE. I AM A PRICELESS GIFT. I AM UNIQUELY AND WONDERFULLY DESIGNED. MY DREAMS MATTER TO THE HEART OF GOD. I HAVE A DIVINE PURPOSE AND DESTINY. I AM DESERVING OF LOVE AND RESPECT. I AM BRAVE AND BOLD. I WAS BORN FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.

On the lines below, create your own personal identity statements to add to the above list.

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incredible destiny He has planned. He created you to be a GIFT to this world.

WHO TOLD YOU.

But we judge ourselves and believe lies about who we are. Ask God to search your heart and show you what you believe about yourself that is not in agreement with Him.

Exchanging lies for the truth.

“If God said it, I want to believe it.

If God gives it, I want to receive it.

If God shows it, I want to perceive it. If Satan stole it, I want to retrieve it.”

Beth Moore, Believing God Many of us have grown up having people around us label us, reject us, call us names, and put us down through words and actions. Sometimes, we judge ourselves and tell ourselves lies that contradict the truth of the immense and incredible value that God gives us.

Who told you you weren’t good enough?

Who told you you are worthless? Who told you you are not loved?

The point is, Who told you? Was it a family member? Was it a classmate?

Was it yourself? Or was it God? The Battle: ...he (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

John 8:44 NIV

The Truth: You have immense and incredible value. You were planned and purposed.

An experiment was done in a high school class where each student wrote the words “I am SPECIAL” on a sheet of paper. In the next 24 hours, if someone said or did something that was somewhat hurtful, they would tear off a portion of that sheet that represented how much the action or words ripped at the statement that they were special.

By the next class period the following day, the students were to share what their sheets looked like.

The result was that most of the class had little or NO sheets of paper left.

The truth is you have an enemy who wants to destroy you. This enemy can be relentless and can work through people and circumstances.

But you also have a Heavenly Father, the one who dreamed you into being, who is FOR YOU, your ADVOCATE, and who wants to build you up. God is also relentless in pursuing you with His love. He desires you to fulfill the

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“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Psalm 139: 23-24 NLT A first step to being able to really believe the truth of who God says you are, is to ask God to forgive you for believing lies about your worth.

Do this quick activity

1. Get a paper and write down a list of negative words you would use to describe yourself (such as ugly, notgood-enough, a mistake, dumb, etc.)

2. Next, ask God to forgive you for judging yourself in those ways. For each word, say, “Lord, please forgive me for judging myself as ” Repeat this prayer for each of the words you have listed.

3. Next, crumple the paper and throw it away.

4. Then ask God, “Lord, please share how you see me.”

“Sometimes in life, more people tell us what we can’t do than what we can. While some may be well-meaning, others may speak out of jealousy, ill-intent, or ignorance.”

OVERCOMING INTIMIDATION.

by Dominic Jones

Everyone except a young teenage boy. Despite being told by his own people that he was neither skilled nor strong enough and there was no way he could win, the boy faced the giant and told him he would defeat him.

The giant, both insulted and amused, laughed at the boy.

Seconds later, a smooth stone launched from the young boy’s sling struck the giant in the head and killed him.

No one wanted to fight him. He was huge!

When he stepped onto the battlefield, fear filled the hearts of everyone who saw him. Imagine basketball great Shaquille O’Neal, who stands seven feet and one inch tall, having to look up at a man almost three feet taller. To say he was intimidating was an understatement.

Most everyone is familiar with the story of David and Goliath. In fact, this story is commonly used as a sports metaphor when a seemingly inferior competitor faces a superior opponent. The truth is that David and Goliath encounters are not limited to the playing field or the arena. They are a part of everyday life.

If the soldier’s physical stature was not enough to make the manliest of men quake in their boots, his skill as a warrior was. This man had been training for battle since childhood and had defeated many foes. He carried both a sword and a spear 20 feet or more in length. Everyone on the other side of the field cowered as this giant man yelled insults at them.

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Second, ignore the critics. Before stepping on the battlefield, David was told he could not possibly fight Goliath because Goliath was a trained warrior, whereas David was only a boy. David could have let the opinions of others deter him and dictate his destiny; instead, he chose not to let what others thought about him change what he knew about himself.

At some point, all of us will face a giant that seems bigger and stronger than ourselves. This giant could be a person, such as a bully, or a challenge, like overcoming an addiction, conquering a fear, or having a mountain of things to do with limited time to do them. Regardless of the form the giant takes, it intimidates us and can make us want to run and hide. Thankfully, we can take a few lessons from David to help us overcome intimidation and defeat the giants in our lives.

Sometimes in life, more people tell us what we can’t do than what we can. While some may be well-meaning, others may speak out of jealousy, ill-intent, or ignorance.

The truth is, no one gets to define your capabilities... unless you let them. The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned in a Roman jail, wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul said all things without qualification or reservation. Because of Jesus, we can have the same confidence to overcome any obstacle regardless of what others say or think.

First, know God is for you. When David stepped onto the battlefield, he clearly understood who he was, what he was capable of, and Who he represented. He did not compare himself to his incredibly large adversary or the hundreds of trained and experienced soldiers watching from a distance. Doing so would likely have left him demoralized and too scared to step onto the field. Instead of focusing on the size of his enemy, he focused on the size of his God. He recounted all the times God had delivered him from lions and bears. He knew that if God were with him then, He would be with him now. By focusing on who he was, and more importantly, whose he was, and not who he wasn’t, David was able to defeat Goliath.

Like David, God has uniquely gifted us with skills and talents.

Unfortunately, we tend to diminish our value by viewing ourselves through the lens of our giant and not through the lens of the God who created us. We often perceive incorrectly that we are not as gifted, talented, or skilled as someone else and, therefore, unable to meet the challenge before us. This is simply not true.

Lastly, we must take action. A giant left unchallenged remains a giant undefeated. Let’s be honest. Facing the people or situations that intimidate us is not easy; if it were, everyone would be doing it, and this article would be unnecessary.

Taking action requires courage. Courage is not the absence of fear but the choice to act despite it. Thankfully, God has equipped us for the task. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Because we have God’s Spirit, we do not have to be intimidated by the giants before us but instead, can act in confidence, knowing we can overcome any giant in our path.

The next time you are faced with an intimidating person or situation, find peace in these words of Moses, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)

The truth is, we were never intended to be anyone other than ourselves. What we don’t have is never as important as what we do have and, even more importantly, what we do with it. When we embrace who God has created us to be, we discover we can overcome any situation and face any giant “...because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”(1 John 4:4 KJV)

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Hey, are you grateful for your looks? Do you accept the build of your body? Do you like the way you look?

People come in all shapes, sizes, body forms, skin tones, and facial features.

Maybe you are satisfied with your looks…or maybe you struggle with literally hating certain aspects of your body. Accepting and appreciating the unique body the Lord has given us can be challenging.

SECURE IN YOUR BODY IMAGE.

by Matt Webb

“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

I Samuel 16:7 NLT “Because God loves you, you can love yourself. Because God cares for you, you must care for yourself.

Because God has forgiven you, you must forgive yourself. Because God has accepted you, you must learn to accept yourself.”

Harold J. Sala

The issue of body image for a guy can be real… and painful.

Ever heard of ‘small man syndrome? Yup, there is such a thing!

It is commonly known as the Napoleon Complex, a nickname often used for guys who are on the shorter side. Some people use this term to talk about the shorter guys who try to make up for their height by being extra aggressive or controlling.

I was always smaller than everyone growing up. I was a great athlete, so that helped me with some confidence. I also worked out to compensate for being small. Working out helped me have more self-confidence because I was one of the strongest guys in my grade.

I would hear girl after girl talking about guys, and they would say they were not interested in ‘that guy’ because he was too short. Such comments would always make me question how someone viewed me because I was not as tall as the guy they talked about.

Regarding my height, a girl once said to me, “Well, you are different.” In my mind, all I heard was, “You are way too short.

You are not enough.”

Because of my insecurities, I was constantly trying to measure up. I turned to a life of addiction to medicate my pain and shame. I always sought comfort and fulfillment, so I turned to pornography, tobacco, and alcohol. All those substances were used to fill a void in my life.

Thank God that was not the end of my story!

Finally, a gentleman came into my life who introduced me to Jesus—the one person who could deliver me from all my pain. I recognized that there were hurts and wounds in my life that needed to be healed.

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One of my main struggles was dealing with rejection. That rejection led to thoughts of not being worthy. I believed lies such as: ▶ “I am not good enough.” ▶ “I am too short.” ▶ “I am a complete failure.”

Remember: “...The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them.

People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – I Samuel 16:7 NLT Regarding my body image, I have accepted the gift of the body that the Lord has given me, and I am now married to my beautiful wife, who thinks I am attractive despite my height! My life is amazing now, and God can do all that and more with your life!

The list of lies I believed went on and on. It was a process of discovery involving time and prayer that allowed me to realize the negative beliefs I had about myself. I learned to stop believing the lies. God showed me I really was good enough. I now believe the truth that I am made in the image of God, and I realize it is possible for me to live a life of freedom and wholeness.

Grow in accepting the body that God gave you. I encourage you to keep positive, continue to grow your strength of character, develop your gifts, and pursue growing in confidence.

Reframing how you see yourself with a more positive mindset can propel you forward.

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

You may not like certain parts of your body—yet your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit no matter what size, color, or build. Your body is a gift from God, and we must grow in appreciation and care for our bodies.

ACCEPT AND APPRECIATE YOUR BODY

“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made!

I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something...” – Psalm 139:13-16 MSG

▶ What do you like about your body?

▶ What don’t you like about your body?

I have continued to fight to live free from those false beliefs by surrounding myself with men who live in freedom. I regularly speak God’s truth over myself and continue to grow in learning how to hear God’s voice.

▶ Some people are blind, deaf, or without limbs.

Some people have lost their sense of smell or taste. Some people have heart problems or serious health conditions.

There is so much more to you than your physical looks.

What would change in your life if you focused on what your body CAN do rather than your looks?

“Don’t let your mind bully your body.”

June Tomaso Wood When thoughts of comparison come up, thank God for the great qualities that you already have. Ask God to share with you His perspective on the subject.

Try this: Ask God for forgiveness for disliking or maybe even hating certain parts of the body. Ask the Lord to help you have a greater appreciation for the body you have.

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SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SOCIAL MEDIA. Anonymous

Have you ever found yourself in a scrolling daze?

thrilled because many are liking my posts, or I find myself down in the dumps because no one seems to be noticing my efforts.

I know I have.

When I have a gap of time, my phone is my go-to. Why? Usually, because there’s nothing else to do…opening social media is easy. I find that scrolling through one video typically leads to watching yet another video.

The first is funny. The next is serious. The next one pops up, and I wonder how these three guys will make an impossible trick shot with a pool ball into that pool table pocket – from a balcony?! What’s going to happen?

How will it all end? I have to watch!

“What you might be surprised to learn, however, is that passively consuming social media and other forms of technology, even when we’re feeling prey good about ourselves, can result in our feeling way more sad, anxious, grumpy, annoyed, and irritable than we did moments before we logged on!”

Paula Durlofsky, Psychologist

Before I know it, five minutes of wasted time turns to thirty, and if I’m not careful, I get sucked in for an hour or two. It’s not that what I am doing is “bad” per se, it’s just not all that productive or profitable either.

Social media presents a reality that is often distorted.

It typically does not reflect genuine, honest experiences, challenges, and struggles from daily life.

Keep tabs on your feelings; they will tell you a lot.

In December 2023, 13D Research & Strategy brought up some interesting points in their article, “How does Technology Rewire the Intricate Circuitry of the Teenage Mind.” For those of us who invest much time using media and communications technology, here are some helpful highlights:

I am watching someone else’s fun versus having my own.

That kind of bothers me. Shouldn’t I really be living life versus observing someone else’s?

How do you feel after looking at social media? Do you feel more valued or less valued? Do you feel rested and rejuvenated or agitated, down, or stressed? I know how I feel. Usually, I have a slightly irked feeling. Either something offends me, I feel uncertain about myself, or I envy what someone else has. I sometimes feel

A research study by Seoul’s Hanyang University Medical Center examined data from over 50,000 teens. The results revealed that teenagers who excessively use their smartphones have a 66% higher likelihood of

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reporting substance use and a 22% higher likelihood of contemplating suicide compared to their peers.

Here are some helpful ideas to reconnect with the world around you and feed your sense of confidence and value:

▶ Research has pinpointed a strong connection between the increased use of smartphones and a decline in mental well-being.

1. Limit social media time. Many of us are addicted to social media without realizing it. There are apps that can limit your time on social media by giving you a notification when you have reached a time limit. Instead of repeatedly checking social media, check it once or twice a day.

▶ According to a 2022 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children and teenagers ages 8 - 18 spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes each day engaging with virtual media.

2. Phone a friend. Does that sound odd? Why would you talk versus text? Express your care for others by engaging with them in a live conversation. When you talk to someone, it can lift your mood. Connection in conversation will bring real meaning to you instead of a fake connection.

▶ When children start using technology at younger ages, it can have a serious, long-lasting effect on their brain and behavioral development. They might become more prone to anxiety disorders, have greater difficulty processing emotions, and even be at risk for neurodevelopmental issues like ADHD.

3. Take a walk. Real rest is not found on a handheld device; it is found in seeing the world around you.

Notice the beauty of nature around you and the people walking by. Take in deep breaths of fresh air.

Enjoy peace.

When you get a positive message or a ‘like’ on your post, your brain releases a natural hormone called dopamine.

This hormone plays a direct role in creating sensations of pleasure, motivation, joy, and satisfaction. If the anticipated reward of “likes” is not experienced, dopamine isn’t released, making it easy to have negative feelings that can lead to depression, self-harm, and anxiety.

4. Find an activity you love. Become the subject of interest instead of an observer of it. Do you love biking? Go do that! Be the most adventurous biker ever. Love playing guitar? Play it. Hit those chords with power!

I know how that feels. I am sad and disappointed when others don’t respond to me. I feel unseen, unknown, and unwanted. But what would happen if I were to apply myself to connection in the real world as much as I do in this fake world?

5. Become a learner. It is easy to get caught up in mindless videos; TikTok is famous for that. But what if you use your mind? Grow it? Harness it. There are great things to learn in the world. Identify your interest and invest in that.

How might my sense of value, worth, and significance increase? How might the joy of being in nature, having some laughs, and making in-person connections with others change my heart and mind? How might it change yours, too?

There is a whole world set before you, ready and waiting to be explored. Be a pioneer and an adventurer rather than a passive watcher and observer. High-level adventure awaits you. Joy is before you. The screen is just a screen. The mountains, real laughs, new trophies, deep meaning, and higher achievements await you. Grow your self-confidence. Go get ‘em and enjoy the exciting world set before you!

Note that the brains of young men are still developing up to the age of around 25. The brain, like heated plastic, takes on the form of what it is fed.

What is the alternative to experiencing the roller coaster of emotional highs and lows of social media engagement?

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GUARDRAILS FOR GROWING IN SIGNIFICANCE.

by Samuel Pyo

“Our value cannot be found in what we achieve or how we perform. It can be found in the heart of the Father.”

When I was younger, I always wanted to be helpful. I would find myself in my parent’s store in the Downtown Fashion District in Los Angeles, working the cashier, stocking the clothing racks, and putting samples outside for people to browse through. I loved being a good worker. My desire for acceptance, praise, and love dictated my actions. I was motivated by a fear that I would be cast aside one day because others would view me as useless.

David Foster Wallace is quoted as saying, “We all worship something.” He was by no means a spiritual man, but he knew that the inclination of the hearts of people is to make gods or idols of ideas, things, and people in our lives.

What is an idol or ‘god’? It is something we give our main attention to and prioritize more than our relationship with the Lord and following Him. In our lives, so many distractions compete for our attention and focus. It is easy to get caught up with things and people that can cause our hearts to distance from God.

Many of us men struggle with a fear of not being significant.

Because God created us with a purpose, our desire to be significant, useful, and competent are all great aspirations that can motivate us to move forward in God’s calling.

I have found that pursuits in our lives can be generally categorized in the following list, which I find true for most people. Becoming more aware of the following can help us guard our hearts against allowing these pursuits to turn into idols in our lives.

However, what happens when we don’t reach that ideal or dream? Our insecurities can begin to take hold in our lives and control us.

Power: The desire for authority and influence to make a positive difference is a good desire. However, be aware that a person can have an unhealthy passion for power, success, winning, and influence rooted in the fear of being seen as useless or a ‘nobody.’ People who thirst for power want people to recognize they are successful and powerful. They tend to do whatever they please because they feel like they have the authority to do so, causing people around them to

As we move forward with ambitions for our future, let’s keep the main thing the main thing—loving and serving God and others. Let’s guard our hearts against an unhealthy drive for significance rooted in our fears and insecurities.

Did you know that even our desire for significance can be like a ‘god’ in our life?

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feel used. If someone perceived to be stronger comes around, they feel inferior.

can lead us astray. Those who are driven by control will be controlling in relationships as well and can even be abusive to keep their control over others.

Know that you are a powerful person already. You have the power to make choices. Your words and actions carry the power to impact others around you. Your power is not meant to push others down but rather to lift others up.

The assumption that “If you study hard, you’ll go to a good college. And if you go to a good college, you’ll get a good job.

And if you get a good job, you’ll live an easy life” is untrue.

The reality is that it is impossible to have complete control over our lives. We must recognize that, even though we may do the right things, not everything will go according to plan.

Life can be unpredictable. Recognize opportunities to grow in being flexible and resilient.

Approval: God has given us a natural, human desire for the approval of others—this is why children typically want to please their parents, and we, as believers, live to please the Lord. All of us have a deep-rooted desire for someone to love us unconditionally without judgment. However, those driven by an unhealthy need for approval due to the fear of being alone can make others feel smothered. The tendency of an approval-driven person is people-pleasing. Because they care so much about what people think of them, they can compromise their values and convictions not to make waves. They tend to put their identity in their performance and not in God.

Achievement: A wonderful consequence of being made in God’s image is the creativity inside of each of us. The drive we have to build, improve our world, and make a difference using our unique gifts and talents is an admirable thing. There is also the value of doing things excellently for God’s glory. However, when we are driven by a fear of failure, basing our identity and self-worth on our abilities and achievements, we get into trouble. People who make an idol out of achievement tend to need to be the best, or they may struggle with perfectionism.

There is a place for healthy competition in many areas of life. However, we need to be careful not to be extreme. It is unhealthy if a person only feels valued when they perform well, but if they don’t stand out, they feel worthless.

It is good to accept the fact that not everyone will like you—and that is okay! No one can please all people. Keep being teachable and correctable, considering the feedback of others—and at the same time, you need to be you. Your identity and value ultimately come from the Lord, and He loves you unconditionally.

Our value cannot be found in what we achieve or how we perform. It can be found in the heart of the Father. Yes, put forth your best effort in whatever you do and embrace a good work ethic. At the same time, be secure, knowing you have value by simply being you. Whether or not you win that competition, get that A grade, or win that award, receive the boundless love and appreciation God has for you simply because you are you!

Comfort: It is a natural desire to want comfort in life. Having times of stress-free rest, relaxation, and fun are things that the Lord wants for us too. However, a person with an unhealthy drive for a comfort-filled life, driven by the fear of experiencing hardships, can take the ‘easy way out’ and avoid struggles at all costs. An example of this can be seen in a person who always gets A’s in class, without studying and hardly doing the homework (I was that kid, and it drove all my friends nuts!). Sometimes, people who crave comfort and ease feel that people are bothersome to deal with, so they may tend to neglect relationships.

Don’t avoid uncomfortable situations. Being out of your comfort zone can stretch you to grow and mature in new ways.

Control: Taking control in your life can be a good thing, such as making good choices and taking steps forward to help ensure a successful future. There are areas in our lives where we should steward and lead with excellence. However, the drive for control rooted in the fear of being out of control

It is important to be aware of your inner fears and what drives you to do what you do. Ask God to show you your heart because oftentimes, we don’t even know what is in our own hearts!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” – Psalm 139:23-24 Know that God calls you Significant, Capable, and Competent.

You are His Beloved Son. Continue to seek out who God says you are and embrace your worth and importance in Him!

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Journal

We are all in the life-long process of becoming more like Christ. Be intentional, yet be patient with yourself.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6 NKJV

Journal: What stood out to you in this chapter regarding your beliefs about yourself and any new insights you gained? In what areas would you like to grow in confidence and stand firm?

mindful doodling 54

Chapter 3: Standing Firm

• • • • • •

ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

Overcoming Intimidation Stand Firm in the Battle.

Who Told You? Secure in Your Body Image Self-confidence and Social Media Guard Rails for Growing in Significance.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

Create a personal “I AM” affirmation statement list. Here are some helpful tips: • Be Specific: General affirmations like “I am awesome” are less impactful. More specific wording, such as “I am a great communicator,” is more effective.

4.

Create a Victory or Celebration Journal. Record your accomplishments, listing dates. This can be an encouraging reminder of your achievements whenever you are struggling with self-doubt. It can help you focus on the positive and be reminded of your successes and growth

• Keep Positive: Write positive, affirming statements.

Avoid negative words such as “not” or “don’t.”

• Repeat Often: The more you repeat your affirming statements, the greater transformation you will experience in your thinking.

• Speak Them Out Loud: It makes a difference to verbally declare your statements.

2.

Make 3-5 mini affirmation posters with positive statements and put them where you can read them daily. You can write your statements on a sticky note or index card. Examples: I am a valuable team member.

I am a creative problem solver.

3.

Make a list of 10 things that you like/appreciate about yourself. For some, this may be difficult, but challenge yourself! Then, jot down a phrase for every aspect explaining how that attribute reflects God’s divine nature in some way.

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

Text 494949 to chat now | FREE Mental Health Chat Center | 24/7 for those over 13 years old.

1-888-373-7888 | Toll-Free Hotline | 24/7 55 | Confidential | Get Help. Report Trafficking.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

1 John 3:1 NIV

Chapter 04

Connecting with God e He is for you. H

r you. He is for you. o f is

He is for you. He is for you. He is for you.

As you grow in your relationship with Christ, you will continue to discover what it’s like to be ‘fathered’ by your loving Heavenly Father and grow in friendship with Him. You are learning what it means to be His Beloved Son. You are not a mistake. You are not a random accident. God put great effort into creating you, His Divine Masterpiece. You were planned and purposed as a gift to this world, an essential part of His grand vision. Even if you find yourself drifting away, know that He eagerly waits for your return.

His good thoughts towards you outnumber the grains of sand. He values you whether you succeed or fail. He celebrates who you are and who you are becoming. He loves to listen to you, speak to you, and just be with you. You are His glorious intention.

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BE REAL. NO WALLS.

by Damon Gohata

Open the door of your heart to Him—He is your safe place.

Vulnerable. Weak. Powerless. Who would want these words to describe them? I certainly didn’t, but how are you supposed to feel when you are pulling yourself out of a trash can after being mistaken for a 7th grader by a classmate at age 13? I hated how I felt about myself, so I used accomplishments to build walls around my heart to protect it from the pain.

The Lord LOVES to break through our walls. Beloved Son, behind those walls lie the seeds of the treasure within you that God wants to release through you. Yes, it is scary! Yes, it feels safer and more comfortable behind the walls we build, but with courage and God’s power, healing and transformation await you—and an intimacy with the Lord like deep waters.

I got pretty good at building walls, too. By age 35, I had the life I had always dreamed about growing up. I had all of my boxes checked:

Did you know you can be angry with God and express it to him? His heart is so huge, and He already understands you so completely that you are NEVER too much for Him. You can lament and weep to Him, laugh and dance with Him, and share your deepest secrets and fears with Him. He wants you to simply come as you are to Him. No performance is necessary or wanted.

▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶

Still going to church every week. Check.

Graduated college. Check.

Completed seminary school. Check.

On church staff. Check.

Running a relatively successful business. Check.

Hot wife, three kids, house. Check, check, check.

He just wants you.

Open the door of your heart to Him—He is your safe place. God loves you so much that you can come to Him just as you are. His relentless love for you will mature and grow you into who you were created to be. Come and just ‘be’ in His Presence. He awaits you!

I was living the life I wanted, so why was it that most of the year, I was having panic attacks, anxious about my marriage, my business, and my relationships, and feeling totally disconnected from other people and God? I realized that the walls I built did not heal my heart.

They just hid it. Walls don’t discriminate. They keep everything out. I had built so many walls in my life to protect my heart from pain, but they also kept me from being able to fully be loved by God or by anyone else.

Somewhere, I believed that my accomplishments and checking off all my boxes would bring fulfillment and bring me closer to God. But God wants my heart, not my walls.

There is power in vulnerability. Being real with yourself, others you trust, and God. Vulnerability is a vital ingredient in developing intimacy with God in your journey through life.

“Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me.” – Revelation 3:20 TPT Here is a prayer that can help break down any walls between you and God: “Dear Lord, reveal to me the things in my life that are getting in between you and me. I have tried to protect my heart from pain, and, in the process, have built walls that have kept your love out. I want to live as your Beloved Son. Help me trust that you are good and that I can lay my walls down before you to receive all you have for me. Jesus, I open the door of my heart to you and invite you in. Amen.”

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LOVE LETTER. Finding God in His Word.

by Jensen and Kammy Chang

Have you ever felt like God was far away?

Like He’s distant and too important to concern himself with little ol’ you?

Do not worry, you are not alone in that thought process. The good news is that is not the truth. The truth is, God is closer than you think. He wants to have a relationship with you. One way you can find out about Him is through His Word, the Bible.

Like any relationship, it takes effort to get to know someone. You don’t just wake up and know everything there is to know about a person. Your walk with Jesus will be a lifelong journey, and as you allow Him to shape and guide you, you will grow in your spiritual maturity.

Life will have its ups and downs, but He promises to “never leave or forsake you.”

God knows everything about you! However, like any growing relationship, you

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must invest time and effort in getting to know Him. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1 NIV God can be found through His Word because He is the Word. The Bible is not just a compilation of stories, poems, or songs, it is God-breathed. Yes, the Bible is full of amazing, godly principles and wisdom that will guide you through life, but He is the main character of the Bible!

And guess what? You are in there too! So, I challenge you to approach your reading of the Word with a fresh curiosity to discover all of God and all of you.

TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED Come with expectations. Expect that God will speak to you. What are you hoping to discover from the passages you read?

Have a journal or notebook handy. You may want to take some notes or jot down personal reflections.

You may also be inspired to draw or sketch something that comes to mind after reading.

Talk with God. Ask the Lord to speak to you through His Word. Ask Him to give you a love and hunger for His Word. God’s Word is alive and a means of knowing God as He speaks through His word.

Pick a Bible translation you can understand.

There are many great Bible translations. Pick a translation that is easy for you to understand and follow.

Popular versions are the NIV or NLT. Reading multiple versions can give you insights if you do a deeper study.

Make it a habit. Schedule a time to read His Word daily when you will have the energy to focus and be alert. Maybe you’re an early riser or a night owl.

Whatever time you choose, commit to reading daily at the same time every day. You can start off with just five minutes a day and increase that time as you go.

However, it’s not about checking off a ‘to-do’ box.

Know that God isn’t giving out gold stars for perfect attendance—the goal is to learn and grow continually!

Meditate on a verse or passage that especially speaks to you. Sometimes, less is more. It’s not the quantity of reading we are after just for the sake of knowledge, but the quality of reading. (Hebrews 4:12) Underline verses that stand out to you. Grab a highlighter or pen to note words that stick out to you.

This can help you pay attention to what you’re reading.

Find a quiet, comfortable space. Create an atmosphere and ambiance for God to speak to you. Rid yourself of any distractions. Turn off your smartphone or place it in another room so you won’t be tempted to check your phone while reading.

Apply it! After reading, ask the Lord, “What are you speaking to me? How can I apply this to my life?”

Start somewhere! You can choose a book of the Bible and read one or more passages. If you need some structure, find a Bible reading plan that works for you. The gospels help you to get to know Jesus. The book of Psalms can help connect to your heart’s emotions and instill hope, comfort, and trust in you. The Bible stories in the Old and New Testament are full of life lessons and fascinating historical events revealing how great God is. Be led

by God’s Spirit, as sometimes the Lord may impress upon your heart to read a certain book.

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HEARING GOD’S VOICE. Connect with God through the Holy Spirit.

by Michele Okimura

Have you ever ‘heard’ God’s voice speak to you? Our King, Creator of the universe, Father and Friend, wants to communicate to YOU!

never tell you to do anything that contradicts His biblical ways of truth, love, and grace. God may also confirm His message to you through more than one avenue to encourage you that you are hearing right.

Prayer is talking to God and listening to what He wants to share. God is not distant, although truth be told, sometimes it may feel like He is. He wants to be actively involved in your life and be your helper, guide, encourager, and much more!

A relationship with God involves two-way interactions. A relationship that only involves a one-way conversation is not a close one.

Begin each day with the expectation that God will speak to you. God is full of surprises—even if it is a whisper from His heart to yours!

Ways that God speaks The Holy Spirit can speak to us through a variety of creative ways! Here are just some of those ways:

God desires an intimate relationship with you, His Delight!

When Jesus ascended to heaven after He rose from the dead, the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell with and within believers.

The Holy Spirit is a person—not a mystical ‘thing’! He is the one who interacts with us while here on earth!

Through the Bible: As you read the Bible, ask the Lord to speak to your heart and teach you of His ways!

A thought that enters your mind: Sometimes God’s voice is experienced like a thought in your mind that can easily be mistaken for your own thoughts.

Learning to hear God’s voice takes practice. Have patience with yourself! We all make mistakes as we grow, and that is okay! I believe God is blessed when we seek to know Him and His voice.

Example: One day, I had a random thought, “Call Maggie and see how she is doing.” Maggie was a friend of mine who I hadn’t talked to in a while. So I called and had a nice quick chat. Later, she confessed she had been extremely depressed and was about to commit suicide when I called. She shared

Ask the Lord to help you recognize when He is speaking to you.

Remember that He is a loving God with many kind, positive thoughts towards you, as mentioned in Psalm 139. He will

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Through nature: If something catches your attention while looking at nature—like a tree, a mountain, a horse, or a rock—take a moment and ask the Lord, “Is there anything you want to speak to me through this scene (or object)?”

that my phone call had so encouraged her, that she decided not to kill herself. I had no idea! That was God, for sure! I know this is a dramatic story, but my point is to pay attention to the thoughts that come to you, especially when praying!

Sometimes, the Lord may plant a thought in you unexpectedly as well. If possible, test it out!

Example: One day, I came across this enormous banyan tree. I couldn’t help but admire it. I asked the Lord, “Is there anything you want to share with me about this tree?” I waited and listened. In my thoughts, I heard, “I am like this tree to you.

I give you shade when you need to rest. I give you protection from the heat and trials of life. This tree has deep roots, so it is extremely stable. You are secure in me. Trust me.” Tears filled my eyes. I really needed that comfort from God!

A picture or vision: God has blessed you with the ability to ‘see’ in your mind. Try this. Close your eyes and imagine an apple in the middle of a table. Now, close your eyes again and visualize the apple on the table being cut into eight pieces.

What you just saw in your mind is a vision. In that same place in your brain where you can see a picture or a mini video, God can speak to you by giving you a picture and/or a vision. He may even give you a picture or vision of a word or words. If you ever ‘see’ a picture or a vision in your mind, ask God to explain it to you—to interpret what you are ‘seeing.’ If you don’t ‘hear’ any message, then just tuck that away for possible future reference!

Through a song: Ever heard a song that really spoke to your situation or verbalized your feelings? God can speak to your heart through the lyrics of a song!

Through a movie: Open your heart when watching a movie —sometimes God can speak to you something through a movie scene.

Example: One time, I was talking with a guy I never met before at a gathering. We were talking about random things.

While he was talking, I silently asked God, “Lord, is there anything you want me to tell this person?” Suddenly, I saw a vision of Jesus dressed in a deep-sea diving suit diving towards a treasure chest at the bottom of the sea. Lol. It was funny seeing Jesus dressed like that! I asked God silently, “Lord, what does this mean?” Thoughts came to mind, “Tell him that he is such a treasure to me, that I would search the oceans deep to find him!”

Through people: God can speak through a sermon, a podcast, or a conversation with someone. I have found when it comes to wanting guidance and counsel, it is safe and wise to consider what godly, mature mentors have to say.

Through circumstances: In life, we go through all kinds of up-and-down situations. You can ask God questions such as, “What are you trying to tell me or teach me through this?

What are you trying to change in me through this? How do YOU see this situation? What are you trying to grow in me?”

Wait on the Lord and trust He will speak to you—even if it takes some time.

So, I mustered the courage (because I didn’t even know if he knew God) and awkwardly shared, “You may think this is strange, but sometimes I sense God telling me something.

I want to share something with you to see if it might mean something to you.” I then shared the vision and message I sensed may be from God. His eyes got really big, and he shared, “Wow. My greatest passion is deep-sea diving. In fact, I travel worldwide to deep-sea dive to seek treasures whenever I can take time off from work!”

I replied, “Well, I think God wants you to know He knows and loves you.”

He then said, “I used to go to church before. I think I’ll start going to church again!”

God had spoken—although I did risk being wrong and him thinking I was crazy, I took the chance, and it was God after all! Whew! Yay, God!

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Your Good, Good Father.

Connect to His Heart for You! As you follow the Lord, there are countless ways your Heavenly Father is there for you 24/7.

How about picking one attribute per day or week to meditate on and soak in! Thank God for being who He is for you. As you do, you will connect to the heart of God towards you!

You can look up the Bible verses provided in different translations.

You can add to the list of God’s attributes and search for more Bible verses for each.

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JOURNAL 1. Take a moment, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.

2. Ask God to clear your mind, then ask Him, “Father, what do you think about me?”

3. Begin writing a letter to yourself FROM your Heavenly Father, asking God to speak His encouragement to you. Write down whatever comes to mind, like you are dictating a letter from God to you.

4. Remember that God will only say good things to you. Don’t analyze your thoughts; just write down what positive messages come to you. It may be one sentence or many sentences. Take your time.

5. Feel free to use the space to sketch anything that comes to mind as you pray.

Dear

, (write your name)

Thirsty.

What are you thirsty for? Desires within us emerge to seek a path like the waters of a bubbling spring find a pathway to flow. But where will the paths you choose take you?

“but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 4:14 NIV

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God...”

Psalm 42:1-2 NKJV

When you connect heart to heart with god, he gives you living water that satisfies.

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Journal Look at the article “Your Good, Good Father.” Write down one of the ‘A-Z’ attributes of God that stands out most to you today. Share why.

mindful doodling 66

Chapter 3: Connecting with God ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

• Be Real. No Walls.

• Love Letter.

• Hearing God’s Voice.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

Try this activity by resting in His presence to listen in silence and solitude: •

Find a place to be alone and rest, preferably lying down.

•

Play some peaceful instrumental music.

•

Take 3 deep breaths, slowly exhaling. Imagine breathing in God’s Presence and Life.

•

Ask the Lord to speak to you.

•

Try to empty your mind and be in listening mode.

•

Just rest and relax for several minutes.

•

Pay attention to thoughts, pictures or visions that pop into your mind. Don’t analyze, just keep focusing on the Lord. If a picture or vision pops into your mind, ask the Lord what it means and be open to God’s thoughts.

•

Journal what you receive.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest...” – Matthew 11:28 NLT

is from God. He will reveal Himself if you earnestly seek Him! It is okay if your mind is blank and you do not ‘receive’ anything. Enjoy resting your body, mind, soul, and spirit in God. This can be a great daily activity—whether for just 5 minutes or longer!

2.

Pick a word or phrase related to your relationship with God that you are curious about or want to grow in, and do a word study on it. Look up a handful of Bible verses that address that word or phrase (such as trust, faith, healing, friendship, obedience, etc.).

Memorize and/or write down your favorite verse from the list, and put it where you can read it often.

3.

Write a letter to God expressing your desire to follow Him and commit your life to Him. Be real and raw in expressing your love, honest thoughts, and desires to Him. Date it and put it somewhere safe where you can re-read it in the future to refresh your mind on your commitment to Him. Though you may forget, the Lord will always remember your written prayer and will help and support you.

Hearing God’s voice takes practice and is a process.

It is okay if you are unsure if what you are receiving

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

Text 494949 to chat now | FREE Mental Health Chat Center | 24/7 for those over 13 years old.

1-888-373-7888 | Toll-Free Hotline | 24/7 67 | Confidential | Get Help. Report Trafficking.

“There has never been another you. With no effort on your part you were born to be something very special and set apart. What you are going to do in appreciation of that gift is a decision only you can make.”

Dan Zadra

Chapter 05

Your Design you have a story.

most influential men in history faced overwhelming hardships and emerged stronger.

Here’s the deal, guys. Think about it—no one in history has ever had the exact blend of smarts, personality, temperament, gifts, talents, passions, sense of humor, hopes, and dreams that you do.

But here is a big question: How will you express your uniqueness?

What’s even cooler is your one-of-a-kind voice. It’s not just about what you have to say but how you say it. Your voice is unlike anyone else’s on this entire planet, and it is meant to be heard.

Embrace your design and what makes you tick.

Find positive ways to express yourself. Recognize your strengths and become more aware of your weaknesses; it’s all part of the journey of self-discovery and growing into the mature young man God intends you to be.

You have a story. Every experience, every victory, every challenge—it’s all woven into your design. God takes the tough stuff and uses it for good. Some of the

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WAYS TO EXPRESS YOURSELF.

by Michele Okimura

Write it! Draw it! Paint it! Make it! Dance it! Capture it!

You are one of a kind. The way you naturally enjoy expressing yourself is as unique as you are. Sometimes, words alone can’t capture the full depth of what’s inside of you. Maybe it’s singing a song, strumming an instrument, whipping up a dish, painting a canvas, inventing something new, breaking out in dance, or capturing a moment in a photograph that really does the trick!

And who knows, perhaps you want to express a value, a strong belief, or a positive message to others in your own special way.

Here are some possible ways you can explore expressing yourself. Why not try some new expressions? You may just discover something new about yourself!

1. WRITE A POEM Poetry can allow you to express your feelings freely without the constraints of needing to use correct grammar. You can even make your poem into something artistic to look at. One word repeated, or a phrase or question can be expressed randomly.

Ask the Lord to inspire you and freely write! Lyrics to a song are also considered poetic writing.

Capture a moment by taking a photo or video with your smartphone or camera when something is highlighted to you or when you are inspired to do so. Attach a meaning to that moment. Consider taking a moment to ask God if there is anything He wants to tell you about the picture or video you took that expresses a simple but profound message He wants you to know from His heart to yours.

3. PAINT IT OR SKETCH IT

Poetry can be especially helpful to write during intense, sad, and difficult times or immense, joyful times because it can help you release those deep, dark, or excited and exuberant feelings you have.

2. FILM IT OR TAKE A PHOTO

Painting or sketching can be a great way to express yourself.

Whether you are more realistic or abstract, there are no rules!

Even painting a canvas one color can mean something to you!

The famous artist Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist.

The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

God expresses Himself in an infinite amount of ways—even through creation and created things! So can you. It has been said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Unlike what teachers can sometimes teach you about coloring within the lines, I challenge you to color outside of the lines!

Expand the possibilities!

A photo or a video captures a moment, and the interpretation of it can speak volumes and move the heart. Photos and videos often can be a blessing to others.

There are no rules when creating a painting or sketch—be as free and as wild as you want to be! Ask the Lord to give

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you the courage to express yourself through this visual way.

Experiment and try releasing your feelings and thoughts in this way and see what happens.

Dancing does not always need to be a formal performance in front of people. It can be an authentic expression from within. If you are one who enjoys dancing, consider playing a favorite song that expresses your emotions and dance to it before the Lord in the privacy of your room to let it all out for an audience of One.

4. MAKE IT

Maybe some of you like to build things, invent things, sculpt things, produce a film, bake things, or craft things. You can Remember, King David, a man after God’s heart, was a dancer. express your ideas in woodworking, interior decorating, refurbishing a car, creating a fashion statement, creating a “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, graphic, inventing an item or a system to solve a problem… wearing a priestly garment.” – 2 Samuel 6:14 NLT the possibilities are endless!

6. PLAY YOUR INSTRUMENT OR SING A SONG Something you make can express your thoughts and emotions in a tangible, symbolic way—especially if you like to work Making a melody can be an effective way to express our hearts. with your hands. Many different types of materials or media Singing a sad song when we are sad or singing a happy song when we are happy can bring great expression. Playing a beat on can be used. a drum can express joy or anger—or playing a certain melody Ask the Lord to give you ideas on how to express yourself on any instrument can be a ‘voice’ that can powerfully and through making something—there are unlimited ways to simply express our heart and mind without words. express a thought or emotion through your ‘creations.’ Attach meaning to it.

Consider spending time with God, just you and your instrument.

Play whatever melody or beat comes out freely—go with the 5. DANCE IT flow of His Spirit. Or sing a song while making up the melody and words in the moment. Explore new ways of expressing For some of us, dancing it out releases what is inside us! yourself through music.

Whether hip hop, popping, ballet, hula, jazz, lyrical styles, contemporary or cultural dances… or just, however—go for it! 7. WRITE A STORY OR A SCRIPT You don’t have to be a professional to dance. It is interesting that you don’t have to ‘teach’ a toddler to dance—they just Writing a fictional story or a screenplay to express yourself start moving their bodies to the beat of a song. Most cultures, or journaling a real account with real emotions can get what if not every culture, have their own dance form. Maybe we is inside you onto paper. were all made to dance in our own way?

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Express Yourself You have a story to tell...

You have a voice.

“I want to write, but more than that I want to bring out all kinds of things that lie buried deep in my heart. I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”

Anne Frank, Diarist

Keep this in mind as you go through Brave & Bold.

We know your life can be busy, and it is challenging to start a new habit, but journaling can change your life!

Whether you journal on your computer or write with pen and paper, you can start with simple and small baby steps.

Journaling, writing down your thoughts, is one of the most profound practices! It can help you connect with your deepest feelings and help you process and work out difficult, even painful, situations. It may help you discover creative solutions and fresh insights you didn’t know you had within you. It also records your story, your personal history, that is being written with each new day.

From whispers to a roar.

Maybe God wants to turn your soft whispers into a mighty roar that impacts this world in ways you couldn’t even imagine!

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How to begin:

• Start with writing about anything you want to write about.

• Reflect on your day.

• Pick a time of day that is best for you to write.

• If you don’t know how to begin, make a list of things you are grateful for.

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• What are your feelings and thoughts?

YOUR PLACE. YOUR PART. YOUR PURPOSE.

“Your srtso.rYyou were matte pecifically made suence others to inflake a positive and m ence in only differ u can.” the way yo

by Willy Paul

I don’t know why it is, but I stub my toe a lot. Like, more than what I think is healthy. It’s gotten to the point where my pinky toes are kind of permanently scrunched up. They are cowering in fear of the next time I think I can walk through the house without having to turn on any lights. There have been times when I’ve had to turn down invites for fun things with my friends because it hurt so bad to wear shoes!

The weird thing is, when I have a stubbed toe, all I can think about is how bad it hurts. But when my toes don’t hurt, I don’t think about them at all. It’s strange —something so small and insignificant, so seemingly unimportant, can be forgotten so easily yet have such a big impact at times.

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There have been moments when I have felt like the pinky toe of life. I’ve felt as though I don’t matter or I’m overlooked. With being able to see all the great things in everyone else’s life through social media, it’s really easy for me to play the comparison game: “Well, I’ll never have as many followers as them. They’re way cooler than me.” or “What? They got another car? I’m never gonna make as much money as them. Why do I even try?”

traits, special interests, and a unique sense of humor.

God only made one of you in all of history, and He made you with divine purpose.

Sometimes, you may question why God made you with your personality, your physical attributes, or even why you were born into your particular family. Your story matters. You were made specifically to influence others and make a positive difference in only the way you can.

The truth is, even though you and I may feel small, we have great potential to impact the world. In fact, the Bible puts it like this:

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” – Ephesians 2:10 NLT

“The eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you!”

The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”

In fact, it is just the opposite. The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are the ones we can’t do without. The parts that we think are less important we treat with special honor. The private parts aren’t shown. But they are treated with special care. The parts that can be shown don’t need special care.

But God has put together all the parts of the body.

And he has given more honor to the parts that didn’t have any. In that way, the parts of the body will not take sides. All of them will take care of one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part shares in its joy You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it. – 1 Corinthians 12:21-27 NIRV

Is a jigsaw puzzle complete with a missing piece? No. You hold an important part and piece of the Kingdom of God. Find your spot.

I love witnessing people finding a spot in life that’s perfect for them; it could be with a certain friend group, hobby, or something they just click with and instantly love to do.

If you feel like you haven’t found that spot yet, then take heart! You are in an exciting position! It means that you get to keep trying new things, serving new people, and exploring all of the ways God made you unique. Don’t give up hope: be patient. You do have a spot. You were not created by accident.

What I keep coming back to is the part that says, “God has put together all the parts of the body.”

So, what if you haven’t found your fit yet? Talk to God about it. I encourage you to also spend some time talking with family, friends, a trusted teacher, or a church leader and ask them some questions about what makes you unique. What gifts and strengths do they see in you? You could also ask for their help in finding opportunities to explore and try new things.

Know the truth about your value.

Do you sometimes struggle with the following thoughts?

“I am not significant.”

“I’m not as good as so and so.”

“I don’t matter.”

“I feel like a mistake.”

“I feel invisible.”

“I don’t have a voice.”

As you become more self-aware of who you are and how you fit, you will grow into the person God made you to be! Take time to reflect and appreciate the person you are and the person you are becoming.

If you do, you are not alone! Remember the truth that God made you with great purpose and you have immense value. You were designed with distinctive

You do have a place. You do have a part. You do have a purpose.

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YOUR DESIGN AND SPIRITUAL LIFE.

by Michele Okimura

There are so many interesting and unique facets to who you are. This is also reflected in the spiritual gifts God intentionally designed you with from birth.

others. You are a needed part, and your contribution is important.

We use and exercise our gifts with the heart motivation of love and honor towards others. We also develop and grow in our giftings in time through mentorship, maturing in our character, through practice, and as we value and consider the feedback from others.

Your design also affects your spiritual life. For example, some people hear the Lord more often when they are quietly sitting still in solitude, while others may hear the Lord more often when they are on the move—like on a walk or doing a simple task. Become self-aware of patterns you notice in your spiritual walk.

Read up on the following passages, and in time, seek to discover the gifts mentioned that come naturally to you.

As part of the Body of Christ, the family of God, you have a unique design that builds up and strengthens

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“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.

Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:6-13 NLT

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person, the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.

The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy.

He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT

You might uncover a unique gift down the road, and those gifts can grow and become stronger with practice. It’s also great to hear what others think about your strengths and gifts—it can boost your confidence. Remember, everyone and every gift and talent matters in the community of believers.

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ACTIVIT Y

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” – Brené Brown

THE POWER OF YOUR STORY Think back over the different stages of your life. Recall significant and memorable experiences. The events in your unique life story shaped who you are today. The following activity will help illustrate how your story reveals clues you may not know about your design.

On this timeline, from birth to present, graph and label 3-5 significant events in your life that are positive memories. Also, mark and label 3-5 significant negative events in your life that caused you emotional pain.

• What were your greatest successes?

• Was it an individual success or a team success?

• When did you feel most excited?

Recall the greatest challenges and painful times you had to overcome. *Use the space above and below the timeline for your recordings.

Birth

Present

How did you feel doing this timeline activity?

Looking at your timeline, you see the hills and valleys of life you experienced. Do you notice any themes or patterns? If so, make a note of them here:

Meditate on your timeline for a moment. Do you notice anything? Is there something you never saw or realized before? If so, what is highlighted to you?

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“Do you know what you are? You are a marvel.

You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michaelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything.

Yes, you are a marvel.”

PABLO CASALS

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Your Design DISCOVER / ACCEPT / CELEBRATE YOU! There are so many various temperament and personality tests you can take to discover more of your design that are worth taking. Some are even free online! Explore and take some of those tests to discover who you are, who you are not, and your strengths and weaknesses.

You will be continually changing, maturing, and growing forth throughout your life. God created you with a unique, specific design. It will be a process and an interesting

• • • • • • • • • •

journey as you discover the many facets of yourself and live it out!

Let’s have some fun! Take a look at these four common groupings of traits that generally separate personality types (of course we can have traits in more than one group, but we usually will relate strongest to one type).

Note that the Myers-Briggs personality test has broken it down further to 16 personality types and combinations!

• • • • • •

ANALYTICAL ORGANIZED PERFECTIONIST ORDERLY AND FACTUAL LOVES ROUTINE PROMPT/MEETS DEADLINES RESERVED PERSEVERING INQUISITIVE DETAILED AND METICULOUS

• • • • • • •

TASK-ORIENTED DOES WELL UNDER PRESSURE NATURAL LEADER – TAKES CHARGE COMPETITIVE DECISIVE AND BOLD COMMUNICATES TO THE POINT TENDS TO CONFRONT DIRECTLY WHEN IN A CONFLICT • ENJOYS CHALLENGES • SELF-RELIANT

• • • •

FEELS EMOTIONS FRIENDLY AND RELATIONAL TEAM-ORIENTED EASY GOING AND NON-DEMANDING GOOD LISTENER CARES A LOT ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF THEM VALUES HARMONY LOYAL TENDS TO WANT TO AVOID CONFLICT SYMPATHETIC AND NURTURING

• • • • • • • • • •

ADVENTUROUS NATURAL PROMOTER AND MOTIVATOR ENERGETIC ENJOYS BEING SPONTANEOUS FREE-SPIRITED TAKES RISKS VERY VERBAL AND MIXES EASILY NATURAL VISIONARY OPTIMISTIC LIKES VARIETY

Which words in the chart above do you most identity with?

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You have a

Journal Read the following paraphrase of Romans 12:6-8 in the Passion Translation:

“God’s marvelous grace imparts to each one of us varying gifts. So if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you have to prophesy. If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. If you have the grace-gift of encouragement, then use it often to encourage others. If you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the gift of leadership, be passionate about your leadership.

And if you have the gift of showing compassion, then flourish in your cheerful display of compassion.”

Of the gifts listed, which one do you most relate to? Why did you choose that gift?

mindful doodling 82

Chapter 5: Your Design

• Ways to Express Yourself.

• Your Place. Your Part. Your Purpose.

• Your Design and Spiritual Life.

Choose one or more action steps: Become more self-aware!

1.

Look at the article “Ways to Express Yourself.”

Pick one of the seven expressions you have not tried before and do a related activity. You may discover a new way to enjoy expressing yourself. It is good to experiment with new expressions to see if you enjoy them or not.

2.

Look online and read up on articles on ‘personality shapes.’ If you had to pick a shape to represent you, are you drawn to a triangle, square, circle, or squiggly line? You will find great descriptions of each shape (that you will find accurate for the most part), learn about your personality type, and appreciate the differences.

3.

Search online and read articles on ‘4 Animal Personality Types.’ You may find a free survey to fill out to discover which personality type you relate most to. It can help you to understand and appreciate your design and the design of others.

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

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ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

“I was the architect at his side.

I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.

And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family!”

Proverbs 8:30-31 NLT

Chapter 06

Born to Create YOUR CREATIVE FLOW. Are you in your creative flow?

Here are thoughts to ponder:

Creativity is needed in all occupations including *Mechanic *Doctor *Landscaper *Musician *Business person *Artist *Athlete *Mathematician *Cook *Construction Worker *Technician *Engineer *Government Official *Student *Farmer!

• The first thing God wanted us to know about Him in His Word was that He is the Creator God. • You were created in God’s image, which means you were born to create!

God loves to display His artistry to the world through His creation—and through you! You are created with unique layers of complexities and details.

• Every human being is creative in their own unique way.

• As a follower of Jesus, you have tremendous potential for creativity because the Holy Spirit desires to inspire and partner with you as you create!

In this section, be open to embracing the creativity God has given to you to express yourself, serve others, bless the world, and bring glory to God!

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Do Something Creative Every Day.

YOU ARE A SIGN THAT CAUSES PEOPLE TO WONDER!

by Jan Tetsutani

Many people struggle with believing they can be creative.

comparison trap because you’ll never reach the people God intended for you to reach being someone else.

Most of the time, creativity is associated with the arts, but it’s SO much more than that! We are made in the image of a creative God! Think about it! A smartphone started with an idea in someone’s imagination before it ever existed. The same can be said with a medical procedure, a strategy in a debate, a strategy in business, technology, sports, science, creating a story, visual arts, poetry, or even helping someone in need.

Creativity looks beyond the obstacles and problems and sees the possibilities.

Sometimes those possibilities don’t work out because the purpose of the design is not aligned. God’s grace flows when we align to His design. A majority of the time, a purpose is determined before something is created. Someone did not create a chair and then determine it was for sitting. No one created a smart phone and then thought ‘Hey! Let’s use this thing to make calls, text, and use it as a personal hand computer!’ A paint brush wasn’t created to stir soup, just as a ladle wasn’t created to use to paint. When we see the design of the Designer, we get a better understanding of the purpose it was created for.

God has uniquely made each of us with different gifts, talents, desires, experiences, perspectives and stories.

We were made to express creativity in our own unique way like no one else.

There is no one like you who can be expressed like you. Many times, the enemy will attack you in those areas, because he knows those God-given super powers are going to affect the lives of others. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the

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Like the pretty stars in the sky, you are a sign that causes people to wonder. In the art world, an original painting is much more valuable because it is one-of-a-kind, whereas copycats are not as valuable. Embrace who you are created to be, an original!

TAKE TIME TO CONNECT WITH GOD 1. Read Ephesians 2:10 and ask God to show you what is unique about yourself.

2. Ask God if there is anything hindering your creativity (is it a belief in a lie?).

3. If God shows you that you have been agreeing with a lie about yourself or your creativity, break that agreement and replace it with his truth about it. Example: God showed me that I have been comparing myself to someone else and I am believing that I am not good enough. I come out of agreement with that and agree with God, that I am good enough being myself. Remind yourself by posting it on your mirror.

4. Make time this week to nurture your creativity.

If you paint, then paint. If you write, then get writing. If you are on the debate team, write out some strategies.

WHAT IF?

A creative piece inspired by Exodus 31:1-11

by Michele Okimura

The power of story. Let me tell you my story.

Who would have ever thought that God Almighty would have chosen me, Bezalel, an ordinary craftsman—and filled ME with the Spirit of God so I could design HIs dwelling place?

I am the first person mentioned in the bible when God’s Spirit actually filled a man.

I was commissioned to help design the Tabernacle, where God would meet with Moses and His people.

I still remember the first day on the job. The feeling of divine creativity filled my soul.

The rush of excitement as visions of artistic designs flowed into my mind like waves. Designs and architecture in gold, silver, and bronze—a whirlwind of inspiration!

My hands began to create, carve, mold, sculpt, and form. It was like a divine supernatural exchange h appening as I co-created with God.

He dreamed of you before you were conceived and created you in the Secret Place.

He shaped your delicate inside and intricate outside, weaving you together in your mother’s womb.

He created you in His image…that means you were born to create.

God. He created the universe, heaven, and earth, combining science and art!

God was the first clothing designer when he creatively made Adam and Eve’s clothes out of skins when He saw that their fig leaves just would… not… do.

Joseph was a creative economist and government leader, while David was a creative military strategist, songwriter, musician, poet, and dancer.

Just think about Solomon’s creative wisdom.

Jesus mastered the art of woodworking, storytelling, and conversation.

God. Our one true, wildly creative God.

God creates beauty from the ashes of our lives.

What can God do through divine imagination?

Beloved son, creativity is part of your inheritance!

You. God’s complex sign, wonder, and celebration in this world.

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WHAT IF? • What if a dance imparted hope?

• What if a technological breakthrough drew people to Jesus?

• What if a drama secured a dream?

• What if a strategy ignited vision?

• What if a poem destroyed a stronghold?

• What if a song healed a shattered heart?

• What if a creative solution impacted generations?

• What if a painting transformed a city?

• God’s Kingdom on earth... as it is in heaven.

• What if... as you created... a taste of heaven was released?

Freedom awaits you!

Create to serve.

Create to express love.

Create to worship and glorify Him.

THE POWER OF CREATIVITY

by Sheldon Lacsina

“Creativity as Divine intimacy flows through us and is bigger than we are, urging us to go to the edge and grow larger. And our growth in turn delights God. “God is delighted to watch your soul enlarge,” says Eckhart.”

Matthew Fox Artwork by Sheldon Lacsina

“There’s no way you drew that!”

It was the end of my 5th grade year. Up until that point, I couldn’t draw anything well. I was sitting next to the best artist in the school, Salvador. We were all supposed to draw something for our final project…I chose to draw a flamingo.

After I finished my drawing, I looked at it, and to my surprise, it looked pretty good to me. Just to double-check to see if what I was seeing was correct, I showed it to my friend Salvador.

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He blurted, “Oh my goodness, this is amazing! Look at what Sheldon drew,” as he held my sketch up for everyone in the class to see.

Taking the first step to create is the hardest part of the creative process. It takes courage to take risks and to step out. If you don’t start something, you can’t build from there. So, just start creating. You can always adjust from that point on. but if you don’t start at all, there’s nothing to improve, nothing to learn from, nothing to adjust, nothing for you to enjoy, and nothing for others to receive.

Someone shouted, “YOU drew that, Salvador! Sheldon is not that talented!”

“It was me!” I shouted, still in shock at what I had drawn.

“Seriously, it was me!”

So, “What do you need to start now?” Here are some tips to help you get started when it comes to creativity:

A bunch of classmates challenged me and said, “Then draw something else! We want to see you try.”

1. Start small. If you want to get stronger in any skill or ability, you will need to begin creating. Work on a small project to get you started. If it’s learning a new instrument, research it before you purchase it. If you already have the instrument, just start with five minutes of creating music and build from there. If it’s poetry, write a short poem. If it’s video editing, make a 15-second video clip. Just start small.

So, I drew another bird, which looked just as good as the picture I copied. From that day forward, I realized I could draw anything!

Fast forward years later. One day, while I was in high school, someone teased my artwork. I told my sister, who is a year older than me, what the person said. She didn’t defend me or ask me who it was who said it. She simply said, “Sheldon, everyone is an artist in their own special way.”

2. Find out what kind of environment activates your creativity best. For example, let’s say you want to master a certain exercise routine. Be creative and do a short workout with music if music gets you in the mood and motivates you.

Discover what kind of atmosphere helps to activate your creativity—is it being in a quiet room? Is it being inside or outside? Is it listening to a certain kind of music?

That’s all I needed to hear to understand that creativity has no boundaries and you cannot make mistakes being creative.

Releasing creativity is about exploring the possibilities and, at the same time, learning to get better with every creative moment.

3. Be consistent. Discipline is far more important than the outcome. Develop habits that will help you get better at what you’re being creative in. Your habits will lead to better outcomes.

The power of creativity is available to anyone because creativity comes from the person creating it, not from someone else approving of it. Everyone is creative in their own special way.

4. Have fun. You must enjoy the journey. Be okay with making mistakes…you can always learn from them. Be patient with yourself, and don’t take yourself so seriously. Know that some people may say negative things to you, but don’t let that discourage you or stop you from proactively expressing your creativity. Decide whether any criticism has some value to help you grow and improve or if you should simply disregard that comment.

There are so many ways to be creative. Some people are creative with their words, some with their music, some with their athletic ability, some with art, poetry, writing, thinking, building something, and sometimes even how they live their lives. You can creatively present an idea, an innovation, a solution, or a design that expresses your unique perspectives.

Use whatever ability you have to be creative as you dream big dreams for your life. You will see the world around you get better because you were able to add your creativity to a world that needs it.

Being creative is about presenting a piece of art, a design, an idea, or an innovation in a way that is filtered through your own unique perspective, talent, and skills.

Sometimes, we have difficulty being creative because we compare our creation to something else or ourselves to someone else. Instead, focus on what you’re feeling rather than how you think someone will respond to your creation. You can always learn from the end result of what you’re creating.

Keep expressing your creativity in your own unique way, If you do, I believe someday people will be in awe of what you created and will exclaim, “No way you just did that! Wow! That’s amazing!”

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IMAGINATION.

A Gift from God?

by Frank Monteleone

We all have an imagination. As a kid, I am sure you had a big one, as children often do. People may think our imagination is something not to be taken too seriously. I wonder if you ever heard a teacher or mentor say to you, “If you can just work on growing your imagination, then you’ll be a success in whatever you do.”

Through your imagination, you can begin to discover and understand your God-given purpose and the treasures that HE has planted in your heart. Through your imagination, things are created, and the doors of possibilities open wide.

God can speak to us through our imagination. Think of imagination as a tool used to partner with God to fulfill your God-given purpose and make a positive difference in this world.

Have you ever considered your imagination to be a gift from God? Unlike animals, human beings have the ability to imagine the future, dream, envision possible inventions, and create artistically. Our Creator God has given you a mind that can also create through the power of imagination. Imagination can call out your potential, bringing Him glory and honor.

“Imagination is our ability to see inwardly and picture there that which has not yet appeared outwardly. Imagination is God’s gift to us.” – Donald Curtis What if you unlocked your imagination so that you could envision bigger possibilities for your future that exceeded all of your natural expectations for what God can do in your life? Could the power of your imagination be untapped in your inner thought life?

We tend to separate God and imagination because we don’t want to make something up that’s not from God. Read the following paraphrases from the Passion Translation of Ephesians 3:20 and Ephesians 1:18. Apostle Paul wrote: “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination!” – Ephesians 3:20 TPT “I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling—that is, the wealth of God’s glorious inheritances that he finds in us, his holy ones!” – Ephesians 1:18 TPT

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In the Greek and Hebrew definitions, the word ‘heart’ is often defined as the center of all physical and spiritual life.

completed a screenplay about her experience on a reality TV show singing competition. It was a comedy about what it was really like to be on one of those shows. It was also an inspirational story of perseverance, having hope, and dreaming big—even though sometimes dreams can turn out differently from what we originally imagined. I didn’t even know this was something I wanted to do.

Note that God’s Word also says our hearts can deceive us: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.

Who can understand it?

“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind...”

Jeremiah 17:9-10 NIV

In this one moment, my love for making movies suddenly found an expression. God began to spur my imagination. I somehow had an inner knowing and assurance from God that this movie would indeed be made!

Visions and ideas in our imagination can lead us into the center of God’s BIG plans and purposes for our lives, or they can lead us astray. Therefore, guarding our hearts against negative, worldly influences and values is important so our plans and imagination (the envisioning of possibilities) can be rooted in God and in the right things, ultimately shining His light.

Through much prayer with God’s help, I would go on to produce American Reject with singer, songwriter, and actor Billy Ray Cyrus, actress and singer Annaleigh Ashford, and many more team members. Miraculously, the Lord provided sound stages that were gifted to us for free, and the cast and crew came together! This adventure of witnessing what was in my imagination becoming reality blew my mind. And it all started with my inner voice asking me what I wanted to do.

God had me see what was in my heart and what I believe He had planned for me to do all along.

An important key: A heart and mind surrendered to God and His guidance is in a position to receive divine inspiration through our imagination!

I am an actor and film producer. I create movies for a living, including creating the characters in them. To bring a film to life, it takes sitting down, writing a script, and then implementing the creative plan with a team of people. This intense process involves my team and I constantly using our imagination and envisioning power to produce the best possible outcome.

Many times, God inspires ideas and answers that we see in our imagination.

You have this very ability to reflect with God upon the hopes and dreams within your heart and see what rises. Ask God to activate your imagination to greater levels.

Ask yourself, “What if… ?”

Envision possibilities with God. I believe creative thoughts will begin to burst forth like a geyser as you allow your imagination to explore possibilities freely. Write the vision down, and take visual pictures using your imagination. I believe you’re about to create and connect a world of possibilities inside of you for everyone to see and be blessed!

There was a point in my life years ago when I was beaten down by what I did for a living. I would audition for acting parts in projects, and it was common not to hear back whether I got the role or not. Experiencing rejection in the workplace was a real thing. The emotional roller coaster I was on became too much for me to handle. I hit a wall and thought, “This is no way to live!”

“Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.

Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.”

Habakkuk 2:2-3 NKJV

I then experienced a crossroads moment one day when I was feeling so distraught. My inner voice unexpectedly asked me, “What do you want?”

This question initially stunned me. I responded, “I want to make a movie from my wife’s screenplay.”

This took me off guard because such an idea was NOT on my radar at the time. My wife was also an actress and had just

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ADVENTURING IN CREATIVITY.

by Theresa Dedmond

“In some situations, it takes grit and effort to stand firm to be different, and stand up against what everyone else seems to be doing.”

All of us were created for adventure. That’s why so many love action-packed movies about the underdog becoming the hero. We were made for crazy fun “adventuring,” whether watching our favorite movie series, playing our favorite sports, discovering new areas of our passion, or exploring thrilling places where we can get an adrenalin rush. Adventuring can look different for each person.

As boys and young men, you were created to test your limits in positive ways and go on quests to discover more of who you are and your unique design.

God is always up for an adventure. We see Jesus walking on the turbulent, stormy lake waters in order to reach His disciples in Matthew 14:22-33. In this scene, He invited Peter to walk on water. Jesus reached out His hand to save him when he began to sink. In the same way, Jesus asks us to ‘walk on water’ by faith and do “adventuring” with Him. Throughout my life, I have been on some crazy adventures all over the world, from going on safaris (getting lost in a safari park as well) to sharing the gospel in many countries.

In fact, one of the greatest adventures we will ever go on will be finding out why we’re alive and who we are meant to be. Your passions and dreams can point to your purpose.

Let me tell you a little bit about my story and how I found out who I was destined to be.

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When I was around three years old, I watched my mom paint and create beautiful art in all different kinds of ways. Every part of my house held a treasure she’d sculpted, painted, and designed. She bought me my first art book, oil pastels and watercolors, igniting my love for creating art.

next to one another began to hate one another. The Hutu Tribe massacred the Tutsi tribe, killing almost one million people. It was a heartbreaking situation.

Small children saw their parents die and then were left for 100 days to seek shelter and hide from the Hutu tribe. Years later, in 2010, those young children who had experienced the trauma of genocide had grown to be teens and young adults. I was asked to bring emotional healing to those teens and young adults through compassion and creativity. I led a team of 30 people from America to serve. This life-changing experience brought so much transformation to lives that it led me to create an online healing course entitled, Create to Be Free.

I also loved music, acting, and creative writing. I started playing the piano when I was around 12 and then began singing in bands around age 14. Then, through the influence of one of my high school teachers, I submitted my poems to a national poetry contest and won third and fourth place nationally, which blew me away!

I continued to create throughout my life to the present day, leading me to influence numerous people of all ages to find freedom and passion through what they create. The creative arts is my passion and my way of communicating.

I didn’t know it, but throughout my whole life, my experiences prepared me to help people find their creative destinies and be healed from fear and trauma.

This is my purpose in life.

You may be in that discovery phase, where you feel passionate about a certain subject, creative expression, sport, or vocation in life. Pursue growing skills and knowledge in those areas that excite you. Seek opportunities to explore those passions.

So—what about you?

What is it?

Find your creative voice and passion. You can discover deep insights through the time you invest in creating, playing, and dreaming.

This may sound crazy, but by just saying ‘yes’ to opportunities around you, God can help you become the man God has intended you to be. What opportunities do you have right now that can lead you to your God-given destiny? Ask God, and He will unfold His plan for your life one step at a time!

Here are some steps you can take to find out who you are and start adventuring with freedom.

Ask yourself these questions and then start to adventure forward in life:

It often takes courage, perseverance, and patience in the journey of following your passions and finding your creative expression. In some situations, it takes grit and effort to stand firm to be different, and stand up against what everyone else seems to be doing. I firmly believe you were born to accomplish something significant and meaningful. You have dreams within you that are meant to make the world a better place.

1. What do you love to do, and what makes you come alive?

2. What have you done since you were young (like me with art) that helps you process your feelings and heart?

3. What wrong do you want to make right?

4. How do you like to help people?

5. What friends can support you and believe in you?

Going to Rwanda Can creativity promote healing in people’s lives?

I hope this helps you to discover your identity and that one day we can meet and I can see your story intersect with mine—until then—remember…

Your passion may lead you on crazy adventures like what happened to me in Rwanda. In 1994, there was a massive genocide where two tribes who had lived peacefully

You were born to create!

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theresadedmon.com

NOT FOR SALE A Poem by Theresa Dedmond

As a poet, artist, and author, I wanted to share with you one of my poems, which is in my book, “Created To Overcome.”

I am

Mindful Lettering: Trace the lettering. It does not have to be perfect. You may rewrite the phrase a number of times on the page. Enjoy the process of mindful lettering.

CONQUER THOSE CREATIVITY KILLERS!

by Michele Okimura There are obstacles that can put a limit on or downright stop our creative flow.

With God’s help, we can become more self-aware of those creativity killers and overcome them by replacing lies with God’s truth.

Will you give God permission to turn on His searchlight and reveal any beliefs or character issues that are stunting your free flow?

Let’s take a look at the Dirty Dozen creativity killers.

Check off the ones you struggle with the most and focus on overcoming those hurdles.

THE DIRTY DOZEN o LIES AND LABELS: Specifically surrender any beliefs you have that say you are not creative or intelligent! Continue to embrace who God says you are and know you have His creative genius residing in you. o RULES to ‘color in the lines’: University professors, even at the most elite Ivy League schools, encourage their architect students to forget the rules to ‘color in the lines’ that they learned in childhood!

By freeing their imagination, they are then able to envision the most amazing buildings that can be considered works of art! Set your imagination free—it’s like a muscle that needs to be exercised. See what is possible! May God restore your childlike wonder and curiosity!

o FEAR of being judged and rejected: Being afraid of being judged or rejected will freeze up your creative flow. Despite the fact that some may judge you or dislike your work, take steps of faith and explore! It is worth the risk to discover more of your creative design. Taking baby steps out of your comfort zone may lead to open doors and you’ll grow your capacity to create!

due to the swirl of dark thoughts filling your mind. Seek out ways to renew your mind and release your burdens to the Lord in prayer. If you struggle with disappointment or feel disillusioned towards a situation or person, pursue your healing.

Meditate on the positive and ask God to fill you with hope that you can make a difference in this world through your creativity! Practice gratitude.

o FEAR of failure: Creating anything puts yourself in a vulnerable position to fail. With each experience, you will grow and learn things as you keep your heart teachable. Making a mistake does not make you a mistake! Remember that Thomas Edison had numerous failures before he finally invented the light bulb that changed the world!

o UNFORGIVENESS: Unforgiveness can hinder our ability to receive creative inspiration from Him. Get help and pursue your healing for any deep hurts that you are finding difficult to let go of. God wants to restore your heart. When our hearts are pure and clean before Him, we are then in a position to receive all that God has for us.

o ANXIETY, STRESS: Creativity can flow more freely when you have a clear mind, peace in your heart, a positive outlook, and an expectation that the Lord will inspire you. Trust that with God, all things are possible! Seek help if you suffer from chronic anxiety. Do activities that can help decrease your anxiety, such as deep breathing, exercise, and meditating on your favorite Bible verses.

o PEOPLE PLEASING: As God’s children, we serve others creatively and purposely to ultimately please God—not people. You cannot please everyone. Yes, it can be helpful to consider feedback from others, but do not let your motivation be to please others. God not only approves of you but is cheerleading you on to be authentically you. He wants His confidence to bubble up within you so you can express His divine creativity!

o DEPRESSION: Seek help if you find yourself depressed and in a tailspin of sadness and lethargy. Focus on being grateful and celebrate what blessings you do have. Be in community with other Christians who will walk with you to victory. o NEGATIVITY: Stewing in negative thinking can hinder your creativity

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Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10, NLT o PERFECTIONISM: Valuing excellence in whatever we do is a good thing and a God thing, Yet, the stress and drive to be perfect is unhealthy and damaging to overall health. Knowing you are already

immensely loved and valued by God apart from your performance can help give you rest in God’s strength.

Silence that harsh task master’s voice inside of you!

Instead, lean in to God’s encouragement and kindness.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT o PRIDE: Humility will keep you teachable and ever-growing. It requires a humble heart to consider input, equipping from others, and to ask God for inspiration.

Humility will also aid you when you need to collaborate with others for any creative project. Other people’s ideas may spark even more creative directions and ideas in you.

Here is a verse to consider as a good reminder: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18 NIV o LACK OF TIME: Ever find yourself too busy or exhausted from constant activities? Do you tend to procrastinate? Do you have difficulty managing your time so you are not productive when you should be?

How many hours do you spend on social media? Are you addicted to your phone?

Creating and innovating takes time. Some helpful tips to overcome this hurdle are: ▶ Write down some goals. ▶ Set priorities: what are the most important tasks today or this week? ▶ Write a to-do list to follow. ▶ Find a time and place with no distractions for creating.

Creating can fuel your soul—so make time to co-create with God!

color outside the lines “Gutenberg connected the coin punch with the wine press to create the printing press. Mendel connected math with biology to create genetics. Fred Smith connected the hub and spoke idea of the wagon wheel to the U.S. Postal Service and created Federal Express. The roll-on deodorant was modeled after the ballpoint pen. Drive-in movies inspired drive-in banks. The common cocklebur inspired the design for the billion-dollar Velcro industry. You have the power to connect—use it!”

Roger von Oech

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Getting in touch with your creative identity in God may involve looking back to your childhood when you were probably the freest to express yourself, when you didn’t care if you were being silly, you enjoyed play, and often used your imagination.

Be a Courageous Creative!

The world needs you!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO? • • • •

• Capture a moment with your camera?

• Write a poem?

• Create a thought-provoking post?

• Act in a play?

Crack jokes to make people laugh?

Solve a math problem?

Develop a new recipe?

Strategize to score points for your sports team?

• • • • •

Produce a film?

Draw or dance?

Sing or play an instrument?

Do science experiments?

Organize a mess?

EXPLORING YOUR CREATIVE MIND

Let’s explore. Maybe you will discover something about yourself God wants you to appreciate.

How did you use your imagination and creativity as a child? What activities did you enjoy doing in your playtime?

What toys did you play with? List down the ways you expressed your creative mind:

Presently, what activities do you gravitate towards doing? What do you enjoy doing?

Check off and briefly describe activities that you connect with: o Visual Arts: o Crafting: o Designing: o Performing Arts: o Music: o Writing:

o Media: o Producing: o Organizing: o Communication: o Problem Solving: o Science:

o Health: o Math: o Technology: o Culinary: o Sports: o Other:

As God’s ambassadors, the ultimate use of our creativity is to partner with God to help bring positive transformation to lives, to places, to organizations, to communities, and to culture! We can influence people and places and bring glory to God starting right where He has planted us!

Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade, and Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth with a Mission, came up with seven areas of influence that affect culture. These spheres of influence affect the mindset of culture and therefore influence people living in any particular community or region.

Look over these seven areas and check off which sphere(s) you are most drawn to. You are still young, so interests can change over time, but the seeds for your future are often planted in your youth. o Religion o Family

o Media o Education

o Arts and Entertainment o Government

o Business

This can give you a possible clue on discovering your purpose and the area of influence God has designed within you to use some of your creativity. We are multifaceted human beings, so our creativity can flow in a multitude of ways and places! Maybe, just maybe, your heart is being drawn to an arena where you are called to make a difference!

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Journal What stood out to you in this chapter regarding your beliefs about the power of creativity in your life?

What new insights have you gained? In what areas would you like to grow in your unique creative expression?

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Chapter 6: Born to Create ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

• The Power of Creativity • Imagination.

• Adventuring In Creativity.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

Explore the arts! Whether you are actively involved in the arts or not, we are all created to appreciate artistic expressions such as an eye-catching painting or photo, a good movie, a compelling song or dance, or the artistry found in nature! Get inspired by exposing yourself to something creatively artistic and glean meaning and insights from art. Here are some ideas: • Attend a live music or dance performance (or watch a video) • Go to see a live play • Visit your local art museum • Watch a good movie • Visit an aquarium or zoo

2.

Creativity expresses itself in unlimited ways —through math, humor, business ideas, fixing things, solving problems, and the list goes on. Note that there are firemen who landscape and engineers who enjoy filmmaking. Explore opportunities around you to develop your favorite creative expression by taking a class, doing a project, acting on a business idea, or starting a blog or YouTube channel.

3.

Andrew Ng, a British-American computer scientist and technology entrepreneur who impacted so many with his work on AI, said this: “In my own life, I found that whenever I wasn’t sure what to do next, I would go and learn a lot, read a lot, talk to experts. I don’t know how the human brain works but it’s almost magical: when you read enough or talk to enough experts, when you have enough inputs, new ideas start appearing.”

Interview someone you know who you consider a creative expert. Remember, a person can be creative in many ways beyond the arts. Ask the person to share their insights on how to give creative thinking a boost. When do creative ideas usually come to them?

What works for them may not work for you, but you can still gain knowledge and wisdom that can spur your creativity.

4.

Take time out to relax your mind for at least 10-15 minutes daily for one week. Unplug from technology.

Ask God to speak to you. Your next innovative or creative idea may come when you are watching a sunset, sitting at the bus stop, or taking a walk. Notice if these breaks from busyness help your creative flow.

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

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“A dream gives us hope for the future, and it also brings us power in the present. It makes it possible for us to prioritize everything we do.”

John Maxwell

Chapter 07

Freedom to Dream

Dreaming BIG for our future is important because it can impact the entire direction of our lives and has the potential to bring positive transformation to the

Dreaming doesn’t initially cost us anything, but dreaming can open up a world of possibilities to us once we take action steps toward them. In this next chapter, you will gain valuable keys to discover and unlock your dreams. Let’s go on a treasure hunt to discover the rich possibilities inside of you! What are you believing in God for?

world around us.

Even if we don’t accomplish all of our dreams in the ways we anticipate, dreams add value and meaning to our lives. They set our vision on something bigger than ourselves in the face of what may seem impossible!

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“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.”

Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Dream and dream so big that unless God intervenes it will fail.”

James Hudson Taylor, pioneering missionary to China

What am I here for?

All creation is waiting for you to be who you were designed to be and do what makes you...Fully alive!

Take courage...IMAGINE...Pray...Impact others!

Speak your dream OUT LOUD.

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Faith & Action.

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“Dream big, dare greatly, and shine brightly.”

ROBIN SIEGER

DREAMERS ARE WELCOME HERE!

by Michele Okimura

“The world is waiting to see what picture your life paints of WHO He is.” - Andy and Janine Mason

designed to dream because God gave us the ability to envision and imagine.

Are you up for a journey to discover the dreams inside you and let your brilliance shine even brighter? God wants to unlock the dreams within you and unleash you to pursue the dreams in your heart that especially reflect His heart to the world.

Instead of only working for God, we work with Him. It is true that God directs us and leads us. However, there are times when God considers a dream in our own hearts and decides to bless it.

True story! In the Bible, King David had a dream to build God a temple. This was NOT God’s idea. In fact, God expressed to David in 2 Samuel 7 that it was not necessary. In the end, God helped to fulfill David’s dream by having his son, Solomon, build the temple.

Before David died, he was actively involved in creating the meticulous blueprints for the temple, as explained in 1 Chronicles 28:11-19.

God is an untamable, passionate, bold, and wild dreamer of a God! In fact, He has bigger dreamed-up plans for your life that you cannot even imagine!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.

“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 NLT What is a dream?

It is a picture of the future that you want to live in someday. It involves our aspirations and hopes. We can have all kinds of dreams that God can work through—even the fun ones! Why dream? Because God loves it.

At the temple’s dedication ceremony, Solomon shared that the temple originated as a dream in his father David’s heart. God really cares about what we care about.

He tells us in Psalm 37:4 that if we delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Our dreams will not be forgotten by God and can later be brought back to life in God’s perfect timing.

Imagine a blank white canvas in front of you. God says to you, “Go ahead and paint! I am excited to see what you come up with!” God loves to paint His impressions on the canvas of our imagination.

Why dream? Because you were designed to dream!

God wants us to be intentional in walking towards doing what we were designed to do. You were purposed to be a part of something that is meaningful and bigger than yourself.

Sometimes, our dreams are forgotten...but they can later be brought back to life. I believe we human beings were

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God is THE greatest dreamer of all, and you were designed in His image.

Pursuing dreams requires a dependence on God, prayer, sacrifice, perseverance, picking yourself up when you fail, and overcoming negative judgments other people may make about you and your ideas.

Why dream? You are a human treasure box with hidden riches inside.

It also means we must be willing to take action steps of faith!

What things are slumbering inside of you that God wants to awaken? Dreaming can be like pulling to the surface some of the most unique and greatest parts of who you are.

Dreams may not turn out as expected.

For example, a person dreamed of owning their own business, but once they had a business, they experienced unexpected challenges! But we grow through those surprises.

Why dream? God created you with a purpose.

Your dreams can point to that purpose. You were created with great intention. What moves your heart deeply will most probably be part of your life’s mission and calling.

Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing.

Have you ever done an activity, and after you were done, you had the feeling, “I was born to do this!” If you haven’t yet, God wants to take you on a journey to discover what it is! It is a profound thing to see people joy-filled and fully alive as they do what they were made for.

Even if we do achieve our dreams, we still need to walk closely with God to continue forward. It helps to understand that although dreams are important, what is most important is growing to be more like Jesus in the process. We aim to become more like Jesus in our character, our attitude, and our actions.

Why dream? Your dreams could change the world.

It involves surrendering our dreams into our Father’s hands because God wants to be our number one pursuit always. There shall be no other gods before Him, including our dreams.

What if you were purposed to be a part of something that is meaningful and bigger than yourself? All great world changers and history makers started with having a dream. And so can you. Your dreams just may have the potential to impact the world and the lives around you in a big way.

Greatness comes through serving. It is only when we walk with Jesus that we begin to see life differently from His perspective.

Picture the possibilities that can lie within a dream. An entire nation was changed under one man’s dream to be president. That man was Abraham Lincoln. Every invention in the world was dreamed up by its inventor.

Want to receive? Give.

Want to be first? Be last.

Want to save your life? Give your life away.

Want to be great? Be a servant of all.

The Essence of God’s Dream Culture.

Imagine if we created a culture where we encouraged each other to dream dreams that bring God glory. How would it feel to not only have someone believe in you and your dreams but also have others work alongside you to help those dreams come true?

Dreaming involves risk…

When God first gives you a dream...the training now begins!

How do you discover your dreams? It is a process, a journey of discovery that you need to choose to begin.

Your present abilities will probably not take you to the finish line. With that in mind, God will prepare you.

God prepared every major Bible character to fulfill their dreams and destiny.

It costs something. There is also a sobering side to dreaming. As followers of Jesus—our life purpose dreams must have their roots in kingdom values.

Dream BIG! Jesus gave His life to set us free. He is our ultimate Dream Releaser!

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Going on a Treasure Hunt There are treasures within you. God cares about your dreams. God created you with desires, passions, and dreams.

It takes time to learn which dreams are part of your purpose and calling in life, and which dreams may be just a hope for this season. However, your dreams may be hidden in your heart waiting to be discovered! God hides Himself along your dream journey so as you pursue God, you will discover His heart towards you along the way.

ACTIVATION 1: What is a personal dream you have for yourself? (for example being a great friend, be physically fit etc.)

What is a dream you have for your family?

What is a dream you have for the people in your community?

ACTIVATION 2: Your destiny and purposes may even be found in some of your dreams! Brainstorm some dreams in these following categories for starters to activate your dreaming: List 3 things you would like to have:

List 3 of your FUN DREAMS (for example I would like to bungee jump someday...dream big!):

List 3 places in the world you would like to visit someday:

What is a skill you would love to master? (for example, cooking, volleyball, playing an instrument, or fixing a car)

What is an EMOTIONAL DREAM you have? (for example, overcoming a particular fear or forgiving a person who really hurt you)

List 1-2 SPIRITUAL DREAMS you have. (for example, witnessing a miracle, leading someone to Jesus, going on a mission trip)

With God… it is possible.

“Most of the things worth doing in the world were said to be impossible before they were done.” - Louis D. Brandeis

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ACTIVIT Y

ACTIVATION 3: THE CONCERNS OF YOUR HEART The special concerns you have for society may also give you a clue to discovering your passions and dreams.

If you had the power and resources needed to solve 2 problems in your community or world, what would those problems be?

ACTIVATION 4: WHO INSPIRES YOU Sometimes we see something in someone else that inspires us. People who inspire you carry a key to discovering how God designed you.

Who Inspires you, past or present?

Why are you inspired by this person? What qualities do you admire about him or her?

ACTIVATION 5: MORE!

SHINE MORE. CARE MORE. GIVE MORE. MORE JOY. If you had all the finances and resources needed, what is one thing you would want to do to practice radical generosity and help others?

“

I AM NOT A HAS-BEEN. I’M A WILL-BE. Lauren Bacall

“While some may see them as crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do”. – “Think Different” (Apple Computer Ad) “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35 NIV

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FREEDOM TO DREAM.

by Nancy Vuu

Nancy Vuu is a Dreamer. She dreams with God, and as a result, the anointing flows through her luxury fashion brand. Nancy Vuu Inc. couture designs continue to grace events such as the Grammys, American Music Awards, films, and red-carpet events. In addition, her designs have been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle magazines around the globe. Now she shares her story with Brave & Bold on finding her true identity through GOD, who “qualifies the unqualified to greatness.”

Hello, Brave & Bold One! Today, I want to share with you how God raised up a very poor and ill refugee child who was destined to die. The world said she was not worthy, but God protected her, healed her, and then chose her to be His special agent in the world of fashion. God would use her mouth to speak His words to incredible people, such as young men like yourself, CEOs, celebrities, dignitaries, royalty, and even professional athletes in the NBA and NFL. It all began when I was a young child who really loved God and dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. As I grew up, I began to question if I was good enough because I would hear others tell me my dream was too hard or that it would never happen. I began to believe in these lies, and soon after, I dismissed my dream and eventually completely forgot the dream ever existed.

Then, one day, I had a spiritual encounter that changed the course of my life in a very radical way. In a waking vision, I saw vulnerable children from all over the world in difficult circumstances, and my heart broke. I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world. It was at this moment that I heard the voice of the Lord tell me, “Start designing, and tell these children that no matter their circumstance, they are loved and of true royalty, belonging to the one true King.”

At this point, I did not know how to sew or know anyone in the fashion industry, but I replied, “Wow! What a great idea!”

I gave God my “yes” and my journey began in partnering with God to clothe His children to remind them of their true identity. Brave and Bold ones, you are the sons of the Living God, Heirs to the Kingdom.

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What God has done for me, He also wants to do for you! That’s right, he wants to partner with you in your dreams and show himself great inside of you! I want to encourage you to share your dreams with your parents or a trusted mentor and ask God how you can partner with Him in pursuing your dreams while honoring Him. God loves you, and He has great plans for your life.

You are fashioned for love, greatness, and victory!

I remember one time when God gave me a vision of being a world-renowned designer and showed me styling royal family members. I rejected the vision God gave me. I disqualified myself. I said, “No! That will never happen. I’m not even a real designer, and I don’t even know how to sew!”

But God lovingly corrected me and said, “No! You are a designer. I made you to be a designer. Now move in your role!” Immediately after he released those words over me, it was as if a blanket of truth and identity floated from the sky and gently fell on me. I was able to receive all God said I was. My spirit received who my Creator fashioned me to be.

Knowing this truth has enabled me to walk out my purpose and destiny so that this vision has been fulfilled.

How often have we let our friends, family, or the world rob us of this truth? Or even worse, how many times have we disqualified ourselves?

To this day, I still do not know how to sew, but God has taken me on amazing adventures to many different nations where I have witnessed miracles unfold, and the impossible become POSSIBLE.

We must learn how to silence the lies that say we are not good enough. Instead, we need to ask God what He thinks of us and believe who He says we are. What He says is truth.

It’s not our own gifts and talents that qualify us to do great works. Yes, God can use all that, too, but it is our love and obedience to God that qualifies us. God is able to make all things possible when we give Him our “yes.”

Do you know what God thinks about you? I challenge you to ask Him. He has more good thoughts about you than the stars in the sky. Do you know what He made you for? He has fashioned each one of us for love, greatness, and victory, but He has a purpose and a great plan that He has written uniquely for you. Yes! That’s true; God is writing your life story, and He writes the most incredible and adventurous stories.

How kind was God that even when I forgot about my own dreams of becoming a fashion designer as a little girl, God did not forget! In fact, God loved me so much that he personalized my calling and my purpose to fulfill the dream.

I bless you with strength and courage to pursue all God has for you. I bless you with FREEDOM to dream even BIGGER DREAMS and the bravery to protect your dreams.

I believe the dreams and passions you have are actually dreams and passions that God put inside of you as an invitation for you to partner with Him in that very thing. Your dreams guide you to your destiny and allow you to fulfill your passion and purposes. As you pursue your dreams, it unlocks the many blessings God has for you.

May all your victories magnify His name!

Love, Nancy Vuu

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Journal What stood out to you in this chapter regarding dreaming big for your life?

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Chapter 7: Freedom to Dream ACTIVIT Y

Walk it out.

• Dreamers are welcome here.

• Freedom to Dream.

Choose one or more action steps:

1.

Become a bigger dreamer by learning about a famous person you admire. Research their backstory and learn about their life journey—the victories, the setbacks, and the hardships they pushed through.

• What insights have you gained from their story that inspire you to dream?

• How did their story capture the nature of taking risks?

• In what ways were they brave and bold?

2.

Watch a movie about a person who had a dream and pursued it. What insights did you gain from watching that movie?

There are new inspirational movies being released every year. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: October Sky Soul Surfer I Can Only Imagine Rocky Facing the Giants

3.

Find your ‘tribe’ of fellow dreamers to keep your dreams alive. Ask the Lord to help you to find at least one or two fellow dreamers to befriend.

Famous creative authors C.S. Lewis, who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, and J.R.R. Tolkien, who wrote Lord of the Rings, were professors at Oxford together and formed a friendship for over 40 years. The story goes that Tolkien led C.S. Lewis to the Lord as well! They were a source of constant encouragement to each other.

C.S. Lewis urged J.R.R. Tolkien to keep persevering to complete Lord of the Rings when Tolkein wanted to give up. The road to following our dreams is often full of setbacks, challenges, and sometimes criticism so we need a tribe of friends, other big dreamers, to connect with and walk with.

Start with regularly meeting with at least one other person who also wants to discover and pursue their dreams. Share your dreams with one another and pray together about your dreams. Encourage and motivate each other by sharing updates and action plans. A goal can be to help keep each other’s dreams alive.

Read inspirational books or watch movies together that impart wisdom and strength for the journey.

Celebrate milestones together. Get creative so your times together are meaningful and helpful.

The struggle is real, and so is hope.

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