Here’s the deal. Five Minute Friday. You go find the little prompt at the wonderful Lisa-Jo’s blog, set the time and write for five minutes, and then just stop. Where you are, no edits, just publish raw words.
SMALL…
I got up early this morning after only sleeping a couple hours, all so I could drive to the court house.
Don’t worry, I wasn’t in trouble.
No ma’am, I was called for jury service. For the fourth time. Now listen, I’m so proud to be an American and I’m very happy to serve…but four times in two years?
I don’t even know how that’s possible.
We sat there for almost four hours, answering questions that went down rabbit trails and with every break, we left the room with confused and dazed faces. Out of the 21 people, only myself and one other had ever been called – and served on the jury.
The lady next to me was so lost, so curious but nervous to be selected. With a four month old baby to get home to, she didn’t really want to be chosen.
We talked, I complimented her {super cute} outfit. Side note, God please can I end up being a stylish mom? That’d be awesome.
When we finally made it to the end of questioning and a long deliberation, seven people were chosen. She was the last one, and she didn’t even recognize her name at first, so certain she wouldn’t be called because of her lack of knowledge.
As she walked to the last jury chair she looked back at me with a half smile and I smiled back, the most I could do at that moment to encourage her and remind her that, “Girl, I’ve been there. I wasn’t ready, either. I didn’t know much about what seemed important but I was chosen. This time it’s you, it’s all you and you get to make a difference and an impact. I promise, your baby will be home waiting safe and sound. You do your thing here, you be brave.“
All of it with one small crooked smile, a slight raise of the cheekbones.
It wasn’t a lightning bolt moment, both of us tired from the early morning and hours of questioning. But God gave both of us a stranger-friend, and I drove away wondering about her and how brave she felt.
I don’t know where you’re headed right now, what jury panel you’re sitting on or what court room you seem called to. I don’t know how many late nights of studying or dirty diapers you have looming ahead or the joy of this moment right here in your life.
But whatever it is, I’m gonna tell you this: None of it is insignificant. This time it’s you. It’s all you and you get to make a difference and an impact. Yep, you with your seemingly small voice and shaking hands. You do your thing. I believe in you – not because of you, but because of the God who is in you.
There’s nothing small about being brave.
STOP
