Inspired to be...Courageous: Kiki of In Its Time

Today, I am honored to introduce my next guest in the Inspired series, Kiki of In Its Time (a blog that I frequent.) Kiki is a school teacher with a passion for photography, community and the Lord, as well as just a very sweet, authentic, and sincere blogger. I have been encouraged by posts of hers multiple times, including today! I hope you are encouraged, as well, when you read Kiki's words of inspiration on courage...

Hi Banana Grove Readers! I'm Kiki and you'll normally find me over at In Its Time, a blog dedicated to life, Jesus, photography, and everything in between. When Anna first asked me to be part of her Inspired series, I was a little unsure. I mean, talking about courage? That's definitely not a natural strength of mine. More often than not, I err on the side of caution. I'm an introvert by nature, always have been and likely always will be. Granted, I have opened up and do not describe myself as "shy" as people once did when I was a child. But I still like to weigh the pros and cons before I start something new.

 So what do I know about courage, you ask? Well, to be honest, not much. But it's a trait that I've thought a lot about my entire life. Something I've prayed for, something I've longed for, something I know I have deep down, even if it doesn't necessarily show. When Anna told me that this post was 2/3 storytelling, it took me a moment to think of a time, a person, a story where someone reminded me about being courageous. But after a moment, I remembered my mentor and fellow teacher who reminded me that courage comes from within. It's something that's there within all of us, but is something we need to find, we need to pray for, we need to bravely use in order to feel and see it in action. She not only inspired me with her words, but with her actions as well. She had always accepted my sensitive, introverted self but also taught me how to use it to my advantage. To take my once-thought "bad" attributes and turn them into strengths. She both urged me to speak up, gave me the words to say, and the time to say it.



And it was after that short but sweet conversation that I knew I would be okay. That I could make it through class and thrive. That I wouldn't just make it through that class, but through life in general. That despite what others had to say, or what they thought, I was me and that was enough. I didn't (and don't!) have to change who I am because who I am now is who I'm supposed to be. So while that's not a story of someone who's summited a mountain or rescued someone from fire, what we typically see as being brave and courageous, it's an everyday little moment that reminds me that I can do all things. All things through Christ who ultimately strengthens me. Courage, to me, is being brave enough to accept yourself and live the life God created for you. And it's something I'm learning to do each and every single day. So what does courage mean to you? I'd love to hear your stories, just as Anna encouraged me to share mine.

This was very inspiring for me, personally, Kiki! Thanks so much for sharing with us!

Be sure to check out In Its Time, you guys and leave a comment below! :)

-Song