Begin with Action: Listen, Feel, Write
This isn’t just a journal—it’s a multi-sensory invitation to heal. Start by pressing play on the song we’ve chosen for today. Let the melody, rhythm, and lyrics guide your heart as you write.
🎶 🎵 Song of the Day: Brave Nichole Nordeman Listen to “Brave” – Nichole Nordeman on Apple Music
👉 Listen to the 40-Day Playlist on Apple Music »
Buy the book Dr. Brooke Jones – 40 Day Healing Journal: A Live Fret on Amazon
Day 4 – Be Brave Today
Be Brave Anyway
Dear Friends,
I didn’t always think of myself as brave. In fact, I thought bravery belonged to soldiers, firefighters, or people with capes and impossible strength. Not to me. Not to a woman sitting in a small trailer, heart pounding, hands trembling, desperately seeking safety resources after being assaulted, held hostage, and stalked by her intimate partner.
As I waited, my eyes landed on a large poster on the wall. It asked: “Are you being abused?” The poster listed 15 questions. I answered “yes” to every single one. In that moment, my throat tightened, my chest ached, and tears welled up. I realized: I am in a crisis.
Until then, I hadn’t seen the full severity of my circumstances. Abuse had become my “normal,” and I was blind to how dangerous it had become. That was my jolt awake.
Fear said, “Stay small. Don’t rock the boat. Don’t tell the truth.” Hope whispered something else: “Stand up. Be brave today.”
Nichole Nordeman’s song echoed what my heart needed:
“You make me wanna be brave.”
What Brave Looks Like
Bravery isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s ordinary.
For me, brave looked like walking into a new career path when I was terrified. It looked like showing up in a white dress and believing in fresh beginnings. Brave was sobering up to my own truth, no matter how uncomfortable.
Brave can look like…
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showing up with a smile, even through tears.
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admitting, “The way it was isn’t good enough anymore.”
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saying to myself, “Brooke, you can fix these things. YOU can be rebuilt.”
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choosing one small step toward freedom, even if I was scared.
Bravery changes shape every day, but it always moves us forward.
When Fear and Hope Collide
The truth is, I still get scared. My palms still sweat. My heart still races. But I’ve learned that courage doesn’t mean I’m fearless. It means I refuse to let fear decide my future.
Isaiah 40:31 says:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
That’s what hope does. It gives us the strength to try again, even when we feel weak. It tells us our story isn’t over. It fuels bravery we didn’t know we had.
Five Brave Tips for Today
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Name one truth – Write down or speak aloud one truth about your situation. Naming truth takes away fear’s power.
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Take one step – Big changes begin with small actions. Call a hotline, tell a trusted friend, or write in your journal.
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Show up – Whether it’s a meeting, a class, or just getting out of bed, showing up is an act of bravery.
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Lean on support – Courage grows stronger when shared. Find community, a group, or a mentor who can walk with you.
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Celebrate small wins – Every brave step counts. Applaud yourself for progress, no matter how small.
Crisis Resources
If you read this today and realize you are in a crisis, please know you are not alone and there is help:
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National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 — thehotline.org
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Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Dial 988 — available 24/7 if you are thinking about suicide or struggling with despair.
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RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) — rainn.org
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Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 — childhelphotline.org
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Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-833-372-8311
Wherever you are in the world, look for local hotlines and shelters. Bravery begins with reaching out.
Closing
Bravery doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it whispers, “Try again tomorrow.”
Whatever it looks like, know this: you already have bravery inside of you. And every time you choose hope over fear, you are writing a new story.
“You make me wanna be brave.”
Dr Brooke Jones
Founder Stronger Women