Take a Risk
“What is the point of being alive if you don’t try to do something remarkable?”
John Green, American author.
“My purpose is to give you life in all its fullness.”
(John 10:10)
I like these quotes. God gives each of us a full life. But it’s up to us to make it remarkable even if it requires taking some risks along the way.
In my early life, taking risks was against my nature and my upbringing. I was taught to follow the ‘rules’ of my family.
- trust authority figures such as doctors and priests and nuns, teachers, etc..
- be appropriate at all times
- don’t embarrass the family
- avoid drawing attention to yourself
- eat what you’re served
- never talk back
I obeyed—until I felt abused by some of the very people I was taught to trust.
As an adult I see that no one knows what’s best for me (besides God) so now I’m willing to step out and take a risk, even a small one, that just might lead to something wonderful.
So today I’m challenging myself to take more risks:
Make a new friend
Help someone in need
Paint a mandala
Volunteer at a soup kitchen
Take dancing lessons
Pick up a new book
Try a new recipe
Eat a new food
Use a new word
Try a new walking route
Play a new game
“Living with fear stops us from taking risks, but if you don’t go out on the branch, you’re never going to get the best fruit.” ~ Sarah Parish
What risk have you taken recently? How did it work out?
Karen, if I hadn’t taken a risk and ordered your writing course many years ago, I may never have become a writer. Now, I can’t imagine not having become one. I will forever be indebted to you and your encouragement. God bless you.
Marie
What a lovely comment, Marie. I’m glad you took the risk and as a result have had a great writing career. You’re one of the best fruits of my teaching career.
So good, Karen. I love all of this. You are a good example of “how to do it!” Inspiring to me. love, Heidi
Thank you, Heidi. We seem to be that inspiration for each other.
Thank you, Karen. I took a big risk when I moved from Kentucky to Florida but my daughter and husband and twin daughters lived here and God literally gave me the “nudge” that I should move. I had lived in Kentucky all of my life since I was three years old, all my seven brother and sisters were still living in Ky. and two grandchildren so it was a tough decision but God really did make it loud and clear so here I am and I have no regrets. My sister-in-law and brother lived right around the corner from me and I hated to leave them and she wanted me to just “gp down there and see if you can find a job and then go if you can”. I told her God said GO so I did. And here I am living with my daughter and son-in-law and could not be happier.
It really was a big risk but so thankful I took it. Blessings, Margaret
Thanks for reminding me of that risk you took, Margaret. So brave of you. And it obviously worked out.
Life can be a risky business. I like your list and have done some of then over the years. It was a big risk to move to Central Valley after John died.
Once I made the decision and now here I have never looked back. Gods loving hand was in all the decisions I had to make after John went to heaven.
I admire you, Joan. You were so brave and God had you all the way.
I love your attitude of adventure. You will never be old!
I find what you say to be great wisdom for anyone of any age. I think especially in the past couple of years people have retreated into themselves. Reasonably, in some cases for health protection, but for others it has been an excuse to hide from life. I learned a little poem when I was very young.
“Are you almost discouraged with life, my friend?
I will tell you a wonderful trick.
It will bring you contentment if anything can.
Do something for somebody, quick!”
I find that little verse is very true.
Thanks again Karen for an inspirational piece.
Thanks for sharing that cute poem. It inspires me.
Hello! I was wondering where did you get the images for the book you wrote called “Vietnam” The image contain one of my family members so I was wondering who took them!
Thank you, Serena. I wrote that book in 2009 on assignment from the Lerner Book Company. The publisher provided the photos.
Okay thank you for the response!