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Bravery in the Midst of Change

by Jon Plotner

man standing in front of group of men

As I end 2019, I am reminded of my word for 2019 — “be brave.” Little did I know that I would need that word throughout the year …. little did I know that I would pack my family and move a little further west. Little did I know that a few steps of bravery would lead to some amazing new opportunities.

Bravery lead me to leave behind the best season of our lives in Colorado with the belief that there was something new to be explored. Bravery lead me to quit my job at the end of 2018. Bravery lead me to interview in Washington. Bravery lead me to the decision to take a job with Pushpay with plans to finish training and then move to Dallas … only to be brave enough to be willing to listen and course correct along the way. Bravery lead me to determine that Texas really wasn’t supposed to be home in this next season; Washington was. Bravery lead my entire family on a new adventure … from our oldest moving with us to our youngest staying behind. Bravery lead us to leave our amazing friends and community behind with the belief that we could once again find “our people” without knowing anyone. Bravery lead me to take a few steps back in my career only to be further ahead than I was after only a few short months.

Bravery lead me to say yes to the unknown … the unfamiliar … the uncomfortable. But to be clear … I’m not really that brave. I share all of this to highlight the fact that God cares so much that He gives us small glimpses of His plans … warnings, if you will … in order to give us the faith we need to guide us through the uncertainties ahead. “Be brave” was the foundation that I could stand on throughout an entire year when I wanted to run back to the comfortable and the familiar. “Be brave” held me tight when I cried in sadness while feeling all alone. It’s these words that gave me the faith to navigate the year — both the fun and exhilarating moments that held wonderful new opportunities as well as the deep sadness and grieving that came with it.

In 2020, I will continue to be brave. On the other side of risk there are amazing new opportunities my friends. Be brave.

My word for 2020 … I have about 3 hours to figure it.

Written By Jon Plotner

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2 Comments

  1. Ileana Arnold
    Ileana Arnold on January 1, 2020 at 1:25 AM

    Beautifully said my friend!!! Keep on believing, being brave, and courageous.

  2. Sandi Tiemens
    Sandi Tiemens on January 1, 2020 at 9:28 PM

    I love this article Congrats for being brave didn’t really think you would leave Colorado – seemed so content there so again Congrats.