I am not a big lyrics person, but these lyrics are becoming very important to me. I struggle with feeling small and insignificant and many times try to not contribute or even be seen. For me these lyrics represent taking a step toward bringing and giving something to others. It may seem silly but it takes a crazy amount of bravery for me to contribute in conversations and relationships. Its been a long time coming but I am beginning to believe more and more that I have things to share and give to others that could change their lives and that I am not invisible.
Bravery for me means finding the strength to not be invisible and to be present.

Brave

The gate is wide
The road is paved in moderation
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in
Welcome to the middle ground
You're safe and sound and
Until now it's where I've been

'Cause it's been fear that ties me down to everything
But it's been love, Your love, that cuts the strings

So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave

I am small
And I speak when I'm spoken to
But I am willing to risk it all
I say Your name
Just Your name and I'm ready to jump
Even ready to fall...

Why did I take this vow of compromise?
Why did I try to keep it all inside?

So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave

I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame
Every storm will start with just a drop of rain
But if you believe in me
That changes everything
So long, I'm gone

So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
I wanna be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave

Delayed Happy New Year

Happy New Year...two days late. we woke up this morning and our garage wouldn't work...this is the second time this has occured since Simon and I have lived at this apartment and I believe the cons of this apartment are beginning to add up. too bad we probably have to stick it out till the summer. I am excited to see what the new year will bring...so far we have tossed around three places to move to next summer...Portland, Chicago and St. Louis. I'm an advocate for Chicago and St. Louis mainly because Teach fo r America has corps in those two cities...but it really depends on where we get jobs, so we will just have to see what happens.