Connect with us

Articles

Brave in the Midst of Weakness

Jennifer Napier

Published

on

When I was young girl, the idea of bravery used to conjure up images of a valiant knight riding a noble steed armed with a shield and brandishing a sword. It was someone who was fearless, undaunted, and courageous. Bravery meant strength and never being afraid.

Now I know better.

I was pregnant with my fifth child when my four-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time my husband and I had been confronted with serious medical issues. Most of our children were born prematurely requiring oxygen, apnea monitors, trips to the ICU, feeding tubes, etc. One of our twin sons had in fact been diagnosed with cerebral palsy the prior winter. But this diagnosis of cancer left us reeling.

Our son’s prognosis was grim. His survival rate was just a little better than a one in three chance of making it. Fifty-four weeks of aggressive chemo coupled with six weeks of intense radiation. My husband and I did what was necessary and required. We prayed. We loved our kids. We did the best we knew how.

People told me throughout his treatment that I was brave and strong … I felt anything but. I felt as fragile as a bird’s egg that could be crushed at any moment. Sometimes the weight of our circumstances left me feeling as though I might implode.

I was weak. I was desperate. I was raw and vulnerable and exposed.

I came to understand that bravery was a surrendering of myself. Surrendering my fear, my anxiety, my inability.

Brave in the Midst of WeaknessIt required asking for help and most important of all resting in the strength of someone who is truly strong: God.

God became my portion. I had no strength in and of myself. It meant days nursing my newborn son while holding a bucket for my cancer-afflicted son’s vomit. It meant giving my son daily injections to boost his white blood cell count.

It was caring for my other four children who were suffering watching their brother shed his hair, lose his strength, and his ability to keep up with them. It meant long night vigils checking temperatures, looking out for infections, and trying to survive.

Sometimes being brave simply means getting out of bed to face the day. It’s taking the next step to keep going when all you want to do is quit, cave in, and give up. I’m not brandishing a sword. I’m not fearless. But I have One that is for me and is strong and brave. It’s from Him that I draw my courage.

1 Corinthians 12:9-10 reminded me that His grace is sufficient for me, that His power is made perfect in my weakness and that when I am weak He is strong. Bravery didn’t come from me, it came from the Lord giving me strength. From Him giving me hope to carry on.

Spread the love

Jennifer Napier is a new resident of Norfolk, VA where she and her husband are part of growing a new church. Her recent decision to throw all caution to the wind and jump into home schooling all five of her precocious but precious children has left many alternately applauding her bravery and questioning her sanity. She is an avid reader and writer and enjoys long soaks in the tub and sweet iced tea. She can often be found with her children at the zoo, a thrift store or in a doctors office as she manages the special needs of her kids. Though a Christian since she was five Jennifer has continued to grow in a deeper understanding of God’s grace and love. She continues to proclaim God’s faithfulness in the midst of many years of trial, suffering, loss and grief. Her primary goal in life is to know God and make Him known. You can follow her adventures and thoughts on God, life, and motherhood at her blog, Musings by Jennifer

Welcome to Ungrind!

Do you want to be inspired, motivated, and equipped to live the everyday story of your life well?

If so, you’re in the right place. Whether you need encouragement in your relationships or in your faith, I hope you’ll find the transparent voices of mentors and friends here at Ungrind.

So, grab a cup of coffee and keep reading. We're so glad you're here!

Ashleigh Slater, Founder & Managing Editor

Get Our Free Ebook!

Sign up to receive weekly emails from Ungrind and you’ll get the free ebook, Better Together. Be encouraged by stories of hope from women just like you!

Latest Articles

What Women Are Saying

"The women who contribute to Ungrind are full of wisdom and heart. With stunning images, thoughtful writing, and a simple layout, this is a lovely place to visit and breathe deep."

-- Emily P. Freeman, author of Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life

Featured Resource

"Real life is not always pleasant. Every marriage experiences disappointments, misunderstandings, sickness and financial crisis. Ashleigh doesn’t camouflage the pain in her own marriage, and offers practical ideas on how to walk through the difficulties and find intimacy on the journey. If you are anything like me, I predict that as you read, you too will find yourself laughing, wiping tears, and saying 'Oh, yes.'"

-- Gary Chapman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages

Disclosure

We are a member of the Amazon affiliate program and regularly use affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an Amazon link we provide, we will receive a small referral commission. This doesn’t cost you anything additional. We only share books, music, and products that our writers personally have used and highly recommend.

Trending

Ungrind

Brave in the Midst of Weakness

by Jennifer Napier time to read: 2 min