I Triple Dog Dare You

Grade school was the time when we were fearless. Someone triple dog dared you to do something and you just did it, no questions asked. Those were the rules and we followed them for countless dares. Now that we are older, when dared or thinking of taking a risk we weigh all the potential consequences and consider is it really worth it. Too often we settle for our comfort zone and become stagnant. Stop.

My favorite Bible story since childhood (and to this day) is of Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego in the book of Daniel. These 3 men refuse to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar and stay true to their faith. The King throws them into a fire so hot that the guards throwing them in died. But the reason I love this story is that the King sees not 3, but 4 men among the flames. Jesus was with them and they came out unscathed. This passage has offered me a multitude of inspiration over the years.

Back to risks. I am not advising you to use the logic of your 10 year old self, but the courage. Just as Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego took a risk in standing up for what they believed in, I encourage you to stay firm in your beliefs and take risks accordingly.

Franklin D. Roosevelt said it best, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." This quote is so poignant  and personal. As a little girl I was deathly terrified of dogs. Our house was being renovated and had scaffolding outside and anytime a dog entered our backyard I would scream in terror and climb the scaffolding to avoid the vicious beast below. I did this for a while until one afternoon my little sister Sarah strutted right out to the dog and pet it like it was nothing. In that moment I knew I had to "man up" and face my fears. I forced myself to walk toward the mongrel while freaking out inside and pet it with a shaky hand. This was a great moment for my psyche because I realized that I could conquer my fears.

There are many risks in life that make our hearts race or our knees shake, but we can be successful. So I urge you, no. . . I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU to take a risk and change your life for the better. Half the fun is not knowing what will happen. I leave you with quotes from more eloquent speakers than I to hopefully encourage you on your journey toward taking a risk:

No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his well-being, to risk his body, to risk his life, in a great cause.
-Theodore Roosevelt

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
-Voltaire