Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap
It’s time to try defying gravity
I think I’ll try defying gravity
And you can’t pull me down
Powerful brave words of Elphaba in the closing minutes of the movie “Wicked Part 1” and the film has spun a term that is now trending called ‘holding space’ which means to be physically, emotionally and mentally present i.e. fully present with someone without judgement.
The human element of courage and grit can be found in many stories in the Bible. Would you have had that same grit as them or even today? We are not facing literal lions or death threats but the pressure to downplay our faith is real. But Jesus is crystal clear: “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). Translation? Speak up. It’s worth it. And I feel that Jesus always has that ‘holding space’ for us. Jesus exemplified holding space, giving people the attention, love, and healing they desperately sought.
Bold Faith in Public
In Luke 18:35-43, a blind man named Bartimaeus hears that Jesus is passing by and starts shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd tells him to pipe down, but does he listen? Nope. He shouts even louder. He persistently calls out to Jesus, ignoring the crowd, as he knows Jesus is his only hope. And guess what? Jesus stops, heals him, and praises his faith.
The Gentile woman, despite facing cultural and religious barriers, showed extraordinary courage and faith in seeking Jesus’ help to heal her demon-possessed daughter (Matthew 15:21-28). At first, Jesus appeared to refuse her request but she acknowledged His power and mercy, and believed, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (Matthew 15:27). Her determination reminds us to trust God’s plan and timing, even when answers don’t come immediately.
Remember Zacchaeus, a tax collector whose short stature and bad reputation did not stop him from climbing up a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus not only noticed him but invited Himself over for dinner. The result? Zacchaeus repented, gave half his possessions to the poor, and paid back anyone he’d cheated fourfold. Zacchaeus’s grit shows us that courage is not just about taking risks—it’s about making bold changes when Jesus calls.
Jesus: The Master of Holding Space
Amid a bustling crowd, a woman suffering from a long illness touched Jesus’ cloak in desperation (Mark 5:25-34). Jesus could have kept walking, but instead, He stopped and sought her out. He gave her His full attention, calling her “daughter” and affirming her faith. By holding space for her, He not only healed her physically but also restored her dignity and sense of belonging.
After His resurrection, Jesus walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Though they didn’t recognize Him, He listened patiently to their grief and confusion. He didn’t rush to reveal His identity but held space for their emotions, gradually opening their hearts to the truth through Scripture. It was only in the breaking of bread that they finally saw Him, realizing He had been present all along
GRIT: Godly Resolve In Trials
Those of you familiar with Angela Duckworth’s Theory of GRIT (2004) may remember her conclusion that passion and perseverance are key to achieving any long-term objective, more than talent, intelligence and any other human capacity. And you can train yourself in grit.
For us, GRIT should be about staying steadfast in faith, relying on God’s strength, and showing courage in the face of challenges. But being brave isn’t always easy. The same God who walked with Bartimaeus, healed the woman who touched His cloak, and noticed Zacchaeus, is walking with you too.
Quoting Samuel L. Jackson, “If you do not have courage, you may not have the opportunity to use any of your other virtues.”
So, chin up, pray up, and speak up—you’ve got this!
Shared by Karen R-Fong, a wannabe tai-tai who desires to retire in a library of books and to read with our Lord to her last days.
References: www.faithgateway.com – The Importance of Grit
Article was with the help of Generative AI.