What's in a Name?

For a reason that you will all soon know, I've been thinking about Living with Moxie. The phrase has been rolling around in my head for the last couple of days. Titles can be cute and catchy, but that has never been important to me.  My English teachers/professors used to always tell me I needed better titles.  Ok. Whatever. You can have the best title in the world, but stinky content.  But I digress...

Living with Moxie. Liv-ING with MOXIE. Hmmm, have I been doing that? Do I really look at life's difficult circumstances that cause me fear and anxiety and face them with courage and backbone? I certainly don't want to throw around a word that I claim to want to be characterized by and then end up being a big fat fake.

Lately, there have been plenty of difficult circumstances going around.

People I love are dealing with crazy intense difficult issues. They graciously share with me, ask me to listen, and sometimes ask me advice. Praying for wisdom is a minute by minute life-line and connection to the Holy Spirit that I cling to.

Our church is embarking on new exciting overwhelming adventure. You can hear about it here if you are interested. Fearlessness, trust, and focus on Jesus are imperative.

My kids find themselves in difficult situations with teachers and peers.  The mommy in me often desires to take them under my wing and shield them from everything. The mom in me who has been given a responsibility to raise adults who love Jesus and love people needs courage.

There are two possible kinds of Moxie.

1. Self-centered, self-reliant, obstinate in that I will MAKE it happen because I WILL NOT fail, masked fear, and stubbornness kind of Moxie. There are times that I do not walk in the Spirit as I face life's challenges and it leads to headaches, shoulder spasms, fatigue, grouchiness, and bad dreams.  And, nothing God-honoring is accomplished. No good listening or advice happens. I freak out about the future of my family because of the future of our church. My kids are stuck under my stinky wing wanting to live their lives.  It's just plain ugly. Thank you, Jesus, that your kindness leads me to repentance that brings times of refreshment!

2. God-centered, Holy Spirit dependance, daily trusting that He will give us the courage to face the difficult situations that will surely come our way.

1 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and self-discipline.

Is 41:10 So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Josh 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Phil 1:6 Be confident of this. He who began a good work in your will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Therefore, friends, we put no confidence in our flesh to be courageous or bold, or filled with Moxie.  We are not competent in ourselves to achieve anything for ourselves. Our competence comes from God!! (2 Cor 3:5)

Let's not forget the real meaning of Moxie as we live our day to day lives.  Have you been living with Moxie? Has the word lost any meaning for you? What ways is God asking you to live with Moxie in your current situations?

If you've lost or haven't had courage and backbone, take it to Jesus, ask him to forgive, and then accept refreshment in a way that only he can bring it. He will build you up with his courage and strength!