I spent a lot of my life being the very opposite of bold, strong, and free. I’ve been timid and shy when I should’ve spoken up or taken a leap of faith. I’ve taken the easy way out when I should’ve embraced Christ’s strength in my weakness. Instead of being free, I’ve felt imprisoned by limitations brought on not just because of my disability but because of my attitude. I spent a lot of time stuck in negativity and isolation not knowing how to get out. Only recently has my life begun to change. I’ve embraced faith and confidence in a new way that has inspired me to strive to sincerely be bold strong and free in every area of life for Christ.

God has helped me have a deeper relationship with him and grow in my confidence of my identity as his child. Some wise and resourceful people have helped me be independent and capable despite my blindness and mental health struggles. I’ve noticed the deep impact mentors have had on me over these years of growth and change and I wanted to fill that role for other women. When the opportunity to create a blog with my two lovely friends came along, I was so excited. This is what I’ve prayed and hoped for. When I was at my lowest point, I desperately needed someone to come alongside me judgement free, armed with coffee and the words of wisdom I really needed. It took a long time for me to find those friends and mentors and I ached for them in the tough times. I know what it’s like to feel lost and defeated, to be beaten up by the world and need a safe place to land. I know what it’s like to be rejected and brokenhearted. I hope that whatever you are going through this can be a safe, encouraging space where you can plop down with a mug of hot tea or coffee and even a box of tissues and be loved and encouraged. I also hope that this can be a place of laughter and joy as we celebrate the good things in our precious lives.

But what does it actually mean to live bold, strong & free? I’m still trying to figure it out but here’s what I’ve come up with so far.

 

Bold

To me, being bold means having the guts or the courage to be true to myself and my faith. I’m working on having the courage and conviction to love selflessly in a way that may seem reckless to the world, to say yes to God even when his will may not make sense, to stand up for truth even when it’s hard. Being bold doesn’t always mean I’ll be popular, but I hope I can do it with enough grace that people will see Jesus instead of my own stubbornness. That’s a tall order that I’m still trying to wrap my head around. I’ll be trying to reach that goal until heaven.

 

Strong

I’m a follower of Jesus, so I believe that strength can only come from him. In my life, strength looks like wanting to quit but going on anyway. Strength looks like knowing that I don’t have all the answers and asking for help from God, family, and even a counselor. Strength looks like being present for people even when I don’t always want to. Strength looks like waiting for things I’m desperately praying for. Strength also looks like resilience even through adversity. I also continually strive for strength in my daily life.

 

Free

There are 2 aspects of freedom I think are really important. The first is freedom in Christ. When we thank God for the gift of salvation, repent of our sins, and ask Jesus to be the center of our lives we are free from sin and shame. We don’t have to carry our burdens alone anymore and that alone makes me want to jump for joy or dance with reckless abandon. But the other part of freedom I’m really excited about is authenticity. My theme for 2024 is authentic joy—embracing my own unique character and personality and letting go the expectations of others around me and the need to live up to an unwritten standard that’s had a hold on me for years. If I want to wear pigtails with sparkly ribbons, I do it. If I want to wear sneakers with my dress, I do it. If I want to buy everything in yellow, I do it. If I want to travel solo, move to a new city for work, get a puppy or foster a child I could do that. As long as I’m making responsible decisions and working within God’s wisdom, I can build a life that’s totally and authentically me where I can serve God and love others in a way that brings me joy. Because of Jesus I have so much freedom. I want to learn to live in that freedom and share it with others.

I’m ready to put faith into action for the blog and for my efforts to live bold strong & free in my own life. I’m so excited that you’re a part of it.

Katelyn