By Courtnaye Richard
God's Brave Women - Courtnaye's Story
As a young child, I often found myself creating little businesses within my local neighborhood. There was the frozen-cup stand, the newspaper for kids, the mini magazine, and Barbie doll club. I even had a dream of running my own enterprise (I drew up the plans and everything).
I was a go-getter even from a young age. Not to mention, I grew up with “go-getter” parents. My mom was a climb-the-corporate ladder type of woman and my father was an entrepreneur. Let’s just say, I was born to be in business.
Yet, as I got older, I realized that just because I was made to be in business, I had to pray for bravery.
"As I got older, I realized that just because I was made to be in business, I had to pray for bravery."
The term “bravery” means "the quality of being brave or courageous; having or showing mental/moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty." One of my favorite life verses is found in Joshua 1:9 where God tells him, “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NLT) What an encouraging word from the Lord! Right? This passage of scripture has helped me many times over the years to step out in faith whenever the Lord calls me to do something that is difficult and way beyond me.
“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This passage of scripture has helped me many times over the years to step out in faith whenever the Lord calls me to do something that is difficult and way beyond me."
I need bravery when God calls me to write on a touchy topic through a blog post. I need bravery to speak bold words that may bring conviction or pricking of hearts on social media. I need bravery to write a new book that I’ve never written before. I need bravery to lead worship on a Sunday morning. I need bravery to walk onto a stage to speak or sit on the other side of a microphone on a major podcast show. Yet, I also need bravery to run a successful ministry and business.
While I blog, write books, speak, and lead worship at my local church, I also run my own faith-based public relations and marketing agency, and I love it. But I’ll never forget the day when my husband walked into the room and said, “I think you need to talk to my business coach and learn how to mentor others in what you do.” I froze at the very breath of his words.
I knew that it would take bravery to sell my services at the end of a discovery call (mind you marketing is different from sales). It would take bravery to charge x-amount of dollars for my new offerings. It would take bravery to show up on a call or LIVE training after contracts were signed or invoices were sent out. But that’s exactly what my coach coached me through.
The Lord used her to help me break through the fear of doubt, inadequacy, and low financial self-worth. The Lord used her to help me to be brave and bold in business! After that training season, with God’s help, I’ve been brave in this area ever since.
"The Lord used her to help me break through the fear of doubt, inadequacy, and low financial self-worth. The Lord used her to help me to be brave and bold in business!"
When the Lord calls us to step out in faith, whether that is in ministry or work, it can be a little scary out there, moving past our comfort zones. But when He calls us out, we must obey. When He calls us, we must trust Him because He will never fail us. His Word says He will never leave us or forsake us in any task or risk. He will be with us wherever we go.
"When the Lord calls us to step out in faith, whether that is in ministry or work, it can be a little scary out there, moving past our comfort zones. But when He calls us out, we must obey. When He calls us, we must trust Him because He will never fail us."
So, let’s be strong and courageous in our ministry endeavors. But let us also ask God for boldness and practice bravery in business.
Brave Woman Manifesto
Make sure to check back next week as another courageous Sister shares her story!
And by the way...
You are Brave!
No matter what you are facing, God has made you in His image, which means you are full of His strength and power. I would love to connect with you more and give you a FREE gift - the BRAVE WOMAN MANIFESTO: Five Things to Tell Yourself When Life Gets Hard. Click HERE to sign up for my monthly newsletter and you’ll receive the FREE Manifesto, as well as recent blog posts, updated resources and personal details delivered only to my lovely email tribe.
AS A BONUS… Subscribers will also be the first to receive news regarding the BRAVE WOMEN BIBLE STUDY! SIGN UP for more info on the study’s release and availability!
About Courtnaye
Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out Media Group, LLC - a faith-based PR, Marketing & Mentorship Agency. In her 15 years of experience, she has worked with platforms such as PBS, CBN, TCT, Yahoo, including local television and print publications. Courtnaye is also the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in Christ, while equipping them for their calling.
She is an author, contributing writer for ibelieve.com and YouVersion. Her speaking appearances include She Speaks, FlourishWriters, and Entrusted Women’s Conference. Her blog, Inside Out with Courtnaye reaches thousands of women across the globe!