Why just typing about the subject of bravery is well, brave.
My heartbeat is increasing with each.word.placed.
An idea has been swirling in my head for a while now and I’m afraid. I scarcely allow myself to ponder this and now I’m nearing the moment of revealing it to you.
A sample of the things I used this week. I feel happy in the kitchen.
What if my idea succeeds? What if it’s a total failure? What’s my motivation? Do I have the physical, financial, emotional resources needed to make it work?
Speaking to over 50,000 teenagers about saving sex for marriage was brave. Sharing incredibly personal stories about my past was something I asked the Lord to help me with every time I did it and that was for nearly eight years.
But now the Lord is placing, (I think) an idea which scares me as much as the first time I entered a high school classroom full of very skeptical kids.
My dining room
I’m thinking about opening my home to encourage women with cooking and hospitality. Not as a money making idea, not to sell any kitchen gadgets or products, but just to encourage women in the art of domesticity. This is something so very close to my essence as a wife, mother and homemaker.
I think about this idea when I am chopping red cabbage or stirring up a homemade salad dressing in the kitchen. When I’m roasting poblano peppers or making a pretty table setting for my family, I feel this urge to open my home and show others how to do it. I’m so not an expert which is why I’m afraid to try.
When I think about going forward, I bravely ask God, “Is this what you want me to do?” It’s sad that I don’t know any of my neighbors, what if they reject me? So many questions and doubts but yet an eagerness and an unction to try.
Writing for five minutes is a treasure. Do it!
Should I do it? What is the brave thing you are contemplating?
Check out this word party. This might be the brave thing you need to do!
My Awesome Olive Shoots 
I think the fellowship, instruction, and modeling you can accomplish with this venture is great. Go for it.
Blessings,
Felecia
Felecia, you must know that your comment blessed my heart! I so appreciate it! Bless you too!
I would love to hear more about this, Cindy. The art of domesticity is sorely lacking in the US, yet I see a grassroots comeback. I think families are sensing we have lost something. Oh, please tell me more! I 100% support you!
You would be a great person for me to share this idea! I don’t want to assume everyone knows what to do and that I have all the ideas. Thanks for always encouraging me!
I’ve often thought of this idea too! I have wanted to share with others how to make the most out of your food budget and eat well. How to enjoy and share the bounty of God’s goodness with others. JUST DO IT! You are one of the bravest women I know and you do it with such good humor.
Becki, coming from you, that is a big compliment. You are such a gifted lady, I think homemaking is such an understated skill, I am wanting to be obedient to the Lord’s voice. Thanks for the meaningful words!
God does not call the equipped. He equips the called.
Thank you, I agree! I know you can relate with the things you are doing and saying!
I would have LOVED to have had this in my early “wife” years. I have been thankful for the women who have been placed in my life at different stages who were willing to Share their talents when I needed a “push” in the right direction. I have always been a little envious of my LDS friends because they seem to have a handle on this very thing. What a fantastic idea! I will add your new adventure to my prayer list, so that you may find just the right steps to take.
Thank you Maxine! It’s like we are just assumed to know how to do it and need more help with instructing women in this facet of life. We all eat and should regard our ability to make a home welcoming, one of the sweetest things we can do for our family. How nice of you to pray for me. I’ll let you know how it goes!
This is a wonderful idea and you should definitely go for it!
I will let you know. A million ideas run through my mind about the possibilities! There is so much potential in this just need courage! Thank you, friend!
You go girl!! Love that dream and I know you can do it!!
Thank you Jennifer! I’m listening!
I have seen how you effortlessly make beautiful table settings and make everyone feel so loved and welcome in your home. I think this suits your “gifts and talents” perfectly!!
I feel the same way about you. You are a gifted lady as well! I might be hitting you up for ideas and help!
That sounds like a lovely idea! I wish my house was large enough to be conducive to something like that. I’ve always dreamed of having that house where people gather to just hang out.
Thank you Rabia! My home is fairly average size so that’s been one of the things that’s making me wonder about it but we have had dinner parties at my house and it’s one of my favorite things to do! Appreciate the encouragement more than you know!
What a neat idea! We try really hard to be hospitable and regularly have people over. But EVERY time I still feel intimidated. Cooking meals is not my thing. (Baking is a different story.) I feel so insecure about cooking for other people. But God still wants me to. As for a brave thing – I have been trying to get up the courage to share on my blog about post pardum depression and how my hormones threw me for a loop this past winter. But I keep putting it off because I don’t want people to think I’m looney! 😛 (OK – I’ve said that much so maybe I have to now.)
As a mom who had PPD very badly, I think your voice would be especially useful! We’re looking forward to coming to your house and having fellowship with you all. As long as you don’t make eggs, jello or coconut, we’ll be good! If you make eggs, jello or coconut, expect a blog post about it! I want to hear about your journey to the extent you feel comfortable. Mine is too raw to write about…
If you do go through, count me in! Teach me to throw down in the kitchen, Sensei. Love this idea.
I also love how you went from being a feminist, to being a woman after God’s own heart. Someone who just loves Him and the family he has given you. You are sure in who you are as the woman God has called you to be, and it would be a blessing to be ministered to by you, the woman with the willing heart and hands.
you’re awesome.
You are such a sweet young one! I praise the Lord for keeping us connected! We can both learn from each other! I think you can already throw down, btw!