T E N seconds of C O U R A G E

I believe in prayer.

Wholeheartedly.

But don't worry, this post isn't about what I do, or don't believe in religiously. This post is not intended to convince you to pray. It is not meant to persuade you into believing in the power of prayer. So bear with me here; read all the way to the end.

 {and THEN cuss me out if you feel so inclined}

I find myself praying in the car while I am driving, praying before I go to sleep, praying when I find myself bored during the day. I write down prayers, I say prayers to myself.. But I've never really been one to pray on my knees. {Maybe some of you feel this way too}

Does this act make me seem like a bible-thumper?

Am I too openly displaying what’s in my heart?

What if I look just absolutely ridiculous to others?

Does praying on my knees or in my car really make any difference?

I may not have the answer to the absurd questions that come up in my mind, but I can tell you that in a moment of worry and stress, I got down on my two scrawny, knobby knees- and I prayed. And maybe God heard me just the same as when my music is blasted in my car and I send up a little prayer, but it made all the difference to me.

I found that this little act made me go outside my comfort zone. I’m not one to flaunt my beliefs and I think it just turns people off to religion when you are pushy and overbearing about what you believe. {If someone asks about my prayers, or is willing to pray for or with me, that’s a different story} But I found that surrendering my whole body in a prayer was a magical thing. The act of kneeling in prayer, to me, has taught me about going outside of my comfort zone. To not sit in an upright position, a comfortable chair in the proper seated position, but to get out of my personal comfort level and get down on both knees…. To cross my hands and close my eyes, and to have a real conversation. Thanking, praising, asking, wondering... I've found in my quiet time alone, I can feel like I belong somewhere.

So although this post is not written to tell you all about the miracle of prayer, or the peace it may instill  in your heart... It IS meant to show you that we crave a sense of belonging, and sometimes that sense of belonging is to a spouse, a friend, a book, a deity, an exercise regime...But often times, we may never arrive at that sense of belonging because we are afraid to reach outside our comfort zones. I'm not a preacher, nor a saint. {okay.. I'm not even CLOSE} so don't be afraid to question my words; but if you ever have a spare minute or two, just try it. There's something powerful and strong about getting your whole body out of its normal routine.

So whether you believe in prayer, meditation, or you just don't believe at all.. I can tell you that the power and rewards of going outside your comfort zone are unsurpassable. If that means kneeling in prayer, I welcome you to share your experience. If that means saying hello to a special someone you've had your eye on, I welcome you to take the leap. If that means lifting five more pounds, I welcome you to test your strength.
Today, do something that makes you take a baby step outside your comfort zone.

That tiny step in the right direction could be the greatest step you will take in your entire life.

I found that my baby step was in fact not a step at all, it was finding my feet on the ground behind me; kneeling. So whatever it looks like to go outside of your comfort zone, harness ten seconds of courage to make. it. happen.

Your future self will thank you.

I hope you find a sense of belonging; a sense of purpose.

I hope your ten seconds of courage will foster a lifetime of fulfillment.