How often do you use the phrase take care when ending a conversation, either in person or on the phone (or even in emails)? It's a nice cosy ending, giving the impression that we are wanting the best for the other person, but what are we actually saying to them? Are we saying that we want a safe future for them, because it's going to be easier for them (and more importantly, easier for us)?
What if we were a little more radical and actually encouraged each other to take risks, rather than to take care? I can look back on people in my life who have encouraged me to take risks, in fact I wouldn't be here today without them. I can look back at a number of people in my late teens, who encouraged me to explore the possibilities of joining YFC (on their gap year programme - back in the day before gap years were a trendy option), it meant giving up a good job with Nat West bank, but it was a formative part of my faith journey. Without joining YFC at that time, I wouldn't have met Ruth! In the year after our wedding, without the encouragement and practical support of a particular couple, we wouldn't have followed the call the leave Brixton and move to Kidderminster, with no where to live and no jobs. And without the encouragement of our children, would we ever have taken the decision 6 years ago to pack in our jobs and move to Thornbury to join ngm? Without the encouragement and support from a small group of friends, we wouldn't be on this current journey to set up Time2 and I wouldn't be blogging.
The Bible is full of the stories of people who took risks for God, including:
Abraham who travelled far from his home to follow the call of God.
Ruth who gave up everything she knew to go with her mother-in-law Naomi.
Esther who risked her life, by approaching the king, to save her people.
The disciples who left their homes, their families and their jobs to follow Jesus.
How differently the Bible would be if these and countless others hadn't taken a risk, but had opted to take care instead!
So, looking back on my life, I can see countless times when I've been encouraged to take a risk, but how often have I encouraged others to? As I mentioned earlier, the take care option is easier, as it doesn't really involve us in having to do anything, but when we take the radical approach and encourage people to take risks, then the onus is on us to invest into that person or into that project. Investing may mean practical support, financial support, time, prayer and also in keeping in regular contact with them, finding out what's happening and becoming their number one cheerleader. I know personally what an encouragement receiving a call, a text, an email or a card can be, so the challenge to me (and to you) is to do it more often for others. We can't do everything, but we can champion, encourage, support and be a cheerleader for those around us who are stepping out of the comfort zone and who are being risk takers.
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