I saw this question online asking: if someone wrote a book about your life what would the title be? I have thought about this for a while and I think that I would like the title to be Courageous.
Why? Because as I reflect over the various experiences I have had over my life I think the theme of all these are that I was courageous.
I was an athlete and I often was the only person of color on the teams I played on. There were times that I didn’t even realize this was the case and other times that I knew but did not let it stop me.
My father was in the military and we moved a few times. Being the new kid in school and on athletic teams will often force you to put yourself out there to try and make new friends and be in community with others.
I was also in band in high school and played an instrument that was not very popular. This left me having to ask for help, and this help was often 1:1 and not in a group setting. It’s pretty scary having a 1:1 with the band director or section lead. There is no one that you can hide behind and whatever mistakes you make are yours and yours alone to own.
I decided to go to college away from home. 7 hours away! I wanted to be close enough that if I needed to get home I could do it in a day, but far enough away that my dad could not just pop up on me when he wanted. He had to make plans to come see me in college. Going to college away from home is a challenge and took a good amount of courage.
I also decided to go to grad school away from home and while in school spent two summers overseas in Africa. I loved it but it was the first time I flew to another country. I also went through a whole process by myself to become an appointed missionary. It was long, expensive, mentally exhausting, and a bit lonely. Again, to do this by myself took courage.
Lastly, I started another academic program at the same time starting this nonprofit. I was and still am super scared, intimidated, and am just trying to get through each day without messing up too bad.
All that said, If there was a book written about my life I’d like the title and focus of the book to be about courage.
What would be the title of a book about your life?
