Last year on a chilly summer Michigan morning I was standing in my closet, contemplating which pair of jeans would be most comfortable and facing down the reality that none of them seemed to qualify as a “well-worn, favorite pair of jeans” when my phone rang.
“Hey Mom, I’ve got an idea for the conference name. What do you think about “Brave On”.
My first thought was the summer of 2005 when Nichole Nordeman’s new song “Brave” often played in my SUV. I had a one year old, two middle schoolers and Katy had just turned 16. I felt like I was in the weeds in every possible area of my life and nothing about it felt status quo.
So long status quo, I think I’ll just let go…
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
“Brave On is perfect, I love it Katy.”
A few days later a package arrived in the mail from my friend Ellen. I opened up the box and a handwritten note fell out, “T, Jesus told me to buy this for you when we were at Nichole’s concert this past weekend.” I unfolded the paper and there was a t-shirt with the word “BRAVE” written across the front.
Ok Jesus, I am listening.
My journey has been marked by Nichole’s music for nearly twenty years. I remember one night when I sat on the floor in our bedroom staring at my vacant eyes in photographs taken during years when I felt desperate and alone. It was the night when I started walking into the brokenness of my own story with greater honesty. Nichole’s music was on and “Small Enough” began play. I wept and cried out to God. That night her music was part of what told me I wasn’t alone and that God did hear me.
For me, watershed moments of joy and goodness, loss and devastation, confusion and desperation, gratitude and hope all have songs that go with them. Music helps me mark and hold the transformation that has taken place in my life.
The heart of what it means for me to Brave On feels interwoven with Nichole’s music.
The Brave On Lead Team met in December to share our dreams for the conference and I put words to my desire for Nichole to play a part in the day. I was quick to douse my hope with the practicality of it not happening, knowing she was part of The Belong tour and the dates might conflict. Still, the team agreed she felt like a perfect fit. So, I reached out in January to see if she might be available. For a couple of weeks it felt like it might happen and then the dates for Belong were set and we got the news that she wouldn’t be free to join us.
The news about the cancellation of Belong broke a little over a week ago. My heart sank for the women whom I have watched dream and play together so beautifully, Nichole, Jen Hatmaker and Shauna Niequist. I know well the investment required to plan, prepare and hope for traveling together with friends you love to bring something God has planted in your hearts. The shock and disappointment of it all suddenly coming to a halt hits deep inside and leaves you shaken. And, at the same time I wondered…
So, I reached out again and on Friday it became official, Nichole is joining us for Brave On.
Last night I had the chance to share a few minutes with Nichole and I can tell you connecting with her was pure joy. God’s goodness and the surprising sweetness of this door opening up has left me hopeful and smiling for what is unfolding.
September 15th in Grand Rapids something truly special is going to happen and you can be part of it with us. Come and share in a day filled with story telling, laughter, connection, likely some tears and definitely the sweetness of knowing you and your story have a place to be embraced.
Tracy Johnson is a lover of stories and a reluctant dreamer, living by faith that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick but when dreams come true there is a life and joy” (Pro. 13:12). She is the Founder of Red Tent Living. Married for 30 years, she is mother to five kids. After a half century of life, she’s feeling like she may know who she is. She writes about her life and her work here.
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“My journey has been marked by Nichole’s music for nearly twenty years.” Mine has been closer to 10, but this is yet another space where my heart feels connected to yours and I just feel grateful for your generosity in sharing your story. I know this journey, right down to the vacant-eyed photos. I’m pretty sure my Brave CD is in the hands of someone else now who I saw “the look” in, because it became a lifeline I would throw to others.
I am still letting all of this settle where it is landing in my heart, but for now I am basking in the feelings of almost-too-good-to-be-true as I wake on a Monday to this exciting news.
I can’t wait for September even more now!
Too good to be true about sums it up….and it is true! So glad you’ll be there Julie!!
Perfect💜MJ
Agreed my friend, so perfect.
God-kissed to be sure!
😊
My heart is filled with excitement for you. Much love my friend!
Thanks Jaimi, I am so excited too…for all of us.
Gosh. I’m ecstatic. What a rich day it’s going to be. Her early albums were my soundtracks through the angsty and tumultuous years of high school, college, and early adulthood. Her lyrics always got to the heart of my inner struggles. I can’t wait to meet her in person. God is so good and this gathering of women is going to be a taste of heaven.
He is so good. The resounding themes I keep hearing are the same, her lyrics get to our hearts and seem to find words we can’t find for ourselves.
My heart is so happy for you and this blessed event. Marvelous glories will be revealed. Thank you for continuing to dream, in doing so, you shine the light a little brighter for others. Love you Tracy!
Love you Kelsi…hoping you are watering your own dreams, especially now when your babies are small and the dreams need to be kept alive.
That is so exciting. Wish Michigan was closer to California!! ❤️❤️❤️
Me too Lindann, it would be such a sweet thing for you and some of your friends to join us for the day!
So much to love in all of this but I especially love the deep connection in your soul to this music and this dream!
Me too B, and you’ve been there each step listening to my heart and cheering me on ❤️
A perfect fit! YES IT IS!! I love this….all of it – especially the picture! Smiling with and for you and so excited! ❤️
So grateful for all the ways you listen to God’s prompting and follow it. So much of Red Tent Living and what is unfolding has happened in the wake of your prayers and faithfulness my friend.
I love this. Who knows what happens for the rest of the women. But the sweetness in this for you is worth the whole deal.