“It’s okay to mourn your dreams that have died. Looking at those dreams takes bravery. But when you look them in the face, head-on, and let them go, you will see how God’s plan for your life, although different from what you expected, is a beautiful story of its own that you never could have dreamed up for yourself.” Annie F. Downs, 100 Days To Brave

I tend to keep my dreams secret so I need not defend them when they die. Hiding my dreams means I don’t have to hide my disappointment, nor need I watch you hide your disapproval. However, sometimes I hide them from me, afraid to admit I desire something as if that will help when it doesn’t come to life.

Are we brave enough to admit we had dreams that died? Are we brave enough to not hide behind Christian rhetoric but speak the life-giving words to ourselves, “I hoped for that, but I didn’t get it.” Those words are life giving, because they are truthful. If I no longer suppress the unfulfilled dream, but invite it out into the light, I can acknowledge the feeling of loss and look for what I have instead.

God does work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). This is not a trite Christian platitude, but truth for those who love God and are called to his purpose. Admitting the dream, mourning its death, looking for what we do have, and acknowledging our loving God is in control, that’s bravery that brings life.