when we all do it together
Shayla, my talented designing friend, and I sat at Starbucks this week, talking about the Giving Shop and dreaming up ideas for what could, should, might come next. Just a month ago, I put an idea out there in the world that I hoped would do two things: raise awareness and money for a cause I believe in with all of my heart, and encourage people to be brave. Friends, I think both of those things are starting. In the short four weeks that the Giving Shop has been open, we have raised enough money for two years worth of school supplies to support a young women who has gotten out of sex trafficking and is learning a new, dignifying trade. And, there are well over a hundred brave cards out there in the world, which I pray are encouraging people in perfect, God-ordained moments, putting scripture in front of eyes that need to remember our bravery really comes from there, from God’s beautiful word.
This morning, I had the sweet privilege of sharing about bravery and the idea of the Giving Shop at a local Mom’s Morning Out group. I was unbelievably humbled by the response and encouragement of this crew of women- it affirmed what I believe so strongly: if you will be brave, I will be brave, too. We share so many of the same fears, but I know a brave soul lies deep in all of us, longing to live out a faith that believes in a God who is able.
And now, we’ve got fun dreams and plans for the Giving Shop in 2015: a few changes to the current card sets, more card designs, coffee mugs, and journals (because these are a few of my favorite things). And like always, you give twice when you buy them, as all profits will always be given away.
The thing that makes me smile and feel the most excited about all of this is that we are doing something together, something that I couldn’t do alone. You are giving your support and it is adding up to much more than I could simply give. You are encouraging your people and spreading bravery in ways only you can do. This is small, this little dream, but it’s something, and I’m so grateful that in a teensy tiny way, we get to do something together.
Brave begets brave, as Annie Downs would say. So let’s keep spreading the brave, friends. We’ve got kingdom work to do and a Holy Spirit all too willing and ready to do it with us.
From now until Christmas Eve, as we celebrate the God who came to be with us, use the discount code IMMANUEL for 10% off your order of Brave cards.