Long ago I picked up the guitar and learned to strum a few chords. My first song was Taylor Swift’s “Teardrops on my Guitar.” My little teenage self adored the melody and lyrics and my fingers were able to pick up the rhythm, so I sang and played my heart out.
I still enjoy her shallow-but-catchy songs when I hear them on the radio thumbing through channels.
She has an album title song called “Fearless.” It’s cute, fun, and all about that adorable boy who makes her fearless.
But…(you knew there had to be a ‘but’, right?)
I can’t help but wonder about the true meaning of "fearless" when I hear the song lyrics:
And I don't know how it gets better than this
You take my hand and drag me headfirst, fearless
And I don't know why but with you I dance
In a storm in my best dress, fearless
What if true fearlessness is more than dancing in the rain?
Maybe being fearless is more about…
Dressing modestly when no one seems to care.
Praying before a meal in public at school or a restaurant (just talked to my CCD students about this one!)
Taking care of a wife with Alzheimers.
Walking away from the gossip at work—even if you’ll be the next topic because of it.
Going on a mission trip over spring break instead of to the beach. (love my little bros!)
Quietly, faithfully praying for the world from a chair in a nursing home. (I am so blessed to know this woman!)
The fearless people I know do the right thing even when it’s hard.
They speak up for what’s right even when everyone else disagrees.
They spend time on their knees to find the strength to stand against evil.
They are not afraid of what the world thinks of them because they know we were not made for this world alone (John 18:36).
What are your examples of what it means to be fearless?
I have only one example today: living your life openly as a Catholic even when that means fighting for your religious rights, such as Mass. I never thought that was something I'd ever have to fight for.
ReplyDeleteLaura, this is a BEAUTIFUL post. How about "fearless" means saving yourself for marriage in a culture of casual sex? Praying in front of a busy abortion clinic, despite mean looks from passersby? Daring to live in a way that is radically counter-cultural - whether by having a big family, or homeschooling, or simply being a devout Christian? You are right, pop culture has a pretty silly idea of what courage really is.
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