It has taken me 3 years to be brave enough to launch this blog. It’s ridiculous, I know, that the domain name is the brave soul. I have been waiting to feel strong enough, good enough to have something to say. But the truth is, being brave begins again every single day. And even though I have had many victories, I’ve also had many setbacks.
I know that I have a story to tell, but I thought that in order to tell it I had to perfect it. But – I can’t. Because I realized that “arrival” is only a facade. When one area of my life breaks through with victory, another struggle rears its ugly head. So, I have finally surrendered to the fact that I am forever going to be in process, in exploration, and I am embracing my weaknesses.
To tell my story feels intimidating and vulnerable. Even though I am a pretty open and honest person, this version of the story isn’t about the facts and details. It is about what happened inside of me along the way, which is both humbling and raw. It makes Him the gracious hero and me admittedly flawed, fumbling my way through the journey. My story is about going back and waking up a deadened soul, a soul fractured by religion, trauma, and malnourishment.
I believe that every one of us who have been affected by trauma brings a different angle to the story. So much of trauma affects the inner world, and we live our lives from behind that lens. There are hundreds of differing factors, details, upbringings, environments, support or lack of support, processes etc that no one story can fully encapsulate the realities of living with or healing from trauma.
I’m only here to tell my version, from behind my own eyes.
This was the way that I walked back into my pain, faced my survival systems, and woke up the parts inside of me that had been deadened and malnourished for years.
The becoming alive that happened inside of me was not only a journey of inner healing, but a dimensional encounter that took place in the interweaving of my mind, body, soul, and spirit. It was a rewiring of my inner world, an awakening of my longing to be loved, and a restoration of all that had been lost along the way. It is my journey with Jesus, and how kind and gentle he was to never let me settle for death. His transformation went deep into the trenches of my dysfunction, and brought light into dark places. He came in close, and fought for the walls to come down so that I could truly feel alive again. As he unlocked me, he revealed his heart as I had never known before. He is creative, out of the box, unorthodox, and intentional. He counseled me through pictures and allegories, and through the Holy Spirit whispering truth to my heart.
But the brave soul is not just a story to tell, it has been a journey of becoming. And honestly, one that I am still learning. I am continually finding my new legs, and discovering what it feels like to walk through life with my eyes wide open. I am finally safe in my own skin.
But even though it takes courage to be honest and vulnerable, it can’t stop there. Authenticity is a beautiful and rare gift when it is has linked arms with hope. And sometimes, it just feels audacious to hope. I have engaged with heartaches and losses, wrestled with deep disappointments, and sat immersed in shadows of sorrow. And that’s okay. It’s okay for me to taste life, to feel the pains of life, because it means that I am human – that I am real. But courage rises inside of me when I am not willing to be satisfied with anything less than His Goodness for my life. It is the ability to be gut wrenchingly honest and supernaturally invaded all at once. Daring to trust, and allowing Him to breathe into the raw and vulnerable corners of my heart. In these pages, I hope to unveil the continuing journey that I am on of becoming a brave soul.
This is beautiful, thank you for sharing!
I’ve had your post up on my windows for over a week now, but knew I wanted to sit down and read it when I could REALLY read it. Thank you, friend! I see beauty, struggle, pain, freedom, peace, and hope in your words. If we’re really honest, we can all relate, but it takes a leader, someone who trusts, and someone who really doesn’t care (or maybe I should say it’s someone who cares so deeply and things need to be brought into the light!) to share authentically like you have. Looking forward to reading more, loved one!
Thank you so much Beth!
Congratulations Julie!! I’m so proud of you. I love your wisdom and authenticity. ?
Thank you Cece!
So freaking proud of you! You are courageous and have a beautiful and articulate way of sharing your truth, strength and hope. Waiting expectantly for more to read. Well done friend!
Thank you so much Amanda!
I am sooooooo proud of you for doing this!!!!! You write straight from His heart❤️Love you and reading your words makes me miss our hours on the sofa chatting and laughing and crying!!!
Ahhh what I wouldn’t give to spend more hours with you. Love and miss you so much friend!!
You are indeed… SPECIAL. Glad to call you…FRIEND
Thank you Eric!
So proud of you!!! Your words are beautiful and inspiring. A brave and beautiful soul indeed. ❤️❤️❤️
Aww thank you Joy!
Julie, you have always had such a way with words to describe and bring to life what’s going on inside. I’m lucky to have spent the time I did with you. Always been impressed with your perseverance. Proud of you girl! ❤️
Wow Tawni thank you!! That means so much to me. Love you friend!
Beautiful! You have always had a gift with words and I’m so glad to see you writing!
Thank you Carolyn!
So stinking proud of you! Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey and creating so well a platform for others to follow. Love you sis!
Love you Rachel!!
I can’t wait to read more. Glad you are writing.
Thank you Charis!
Oh Julie, I don’t even have words! Speechless… but my heart is singing!!! Yes, yes, yes. Well done, brave soul!
Thank you!!
So good. I’m just proud. You are an inspiration to continue digging into my own heart, pain, and disappointments to find healing and wholeness. Because of you, I know it’s possible.
I love you! Thank you for all of your support and journeying with me through it all xox
Such hope unfurling in this- I love that it’s here?. Happy Elephant Day my brave friend?
Aww thanks friend!