Bonnie Gray
  • Stories
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Breathe Podcast
  • Books
    • See All Bonnie Gray Books and Resources
    • Breathe: 21 Ways to Stress Less
    • Sweet Like Jasmine
    • Whispers of Rest Book
    • Finding Spiritual Whitespace
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact

Turn Your No Into God’s Yes: Dare To Jump In

By Bonnie Gray • June 4, 2011 • 7 Comments

“I want you to stay and hold me and tell me you’ll be here to love me today.” ~ Norah Jones

Once long ago, I got up at the crack of dawn to drive west of Yosemite National Park and climb into an inflated raft on Tuolume River. It was my first whitewater rafting trip.

We went through a few rapids, but nothing too exciting — until our Teva-clad guide pulled to a stop at a tall, jagged ledge. As the people got out to climb up and dive off, I sat glued to my seat. I eyed the slippery slabs of wet rock and imagined my arms and legs flailing down to an embarrassing belly flop.

After watching a string of people jump off without sustaining any concussions, I decided to go for it.

I stood over the edge, trying to act cool. I was scared.

I was afraid to look silly and awkward. But, I longed to jump in…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

…To read the rest of the story – click here and jump over to DaySpring’s (In)Courage website, where today’s post is published.

It makes a difference that you’re there, when I barista away from here. Share a comment at (In)Courage – thanks so much!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not a subscriber? Get Faith Barista directly sent to you! Subscribe now via email (click here) or RSS (click here).

Photo Courtesy of fusatia, Flickr.

loverenewal

Share With Others

Share Your Voice

Pull up a Chair

This is a quiet space for you and me. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Click to comment »

7 Comments

Get Faith Shots

Get each post served up hot and fresh in your mailbox.

[newsletter_signup_form id=0]

You're Not Invisible: The Gift of Encouragement
Never Been Kissed: When You Wonder If You'll Ever Find "The One"

Connect with Me

Bonnie Gray

Welcome to Faith Barista – a blog that serves up shots of faith for everyday life. Posts brewed hot & fresh. Hang out. Swap some stories.

You Might Also Like

  • Never Been Kissed: When You Wonder If You’ll Ever Find “The One”

  • How to Choose Joy When Joy Seems Easy for Others But Hard for You

  • What A Vet Taught Me About My Personal Battles (10 Lessons From Vietnam)

  • If You’re Stressed About The Election: God’s 5 Powerful Promises To Encourage You

7 Comments

  • Reply Julie June 4, 2011 at 6:01 am

    I know you have no idea how God just used you to speak directly to my “No”. I’ve been on an unexpected and unpredictable journey since my four year old son was diagnosed with cancer. Through that diagnosis God set in motion the undeserved and breathtaking rescue of my heart. Me. I found out that I mattered to Him.
    And recently He has been setting before me an opportunity. This will call upon me to Jump. I have been saying no. I prayed specifically this morning for God to speak to my no. I got up from my chair and subscribed to incourage, having caught a glimpse of it yesterday on my internet travels. I returned to my place of prayer and an hour later your post is in my inbox.
    I wonder when I will get it? When will I stop believing that I am a spare part in His kingdom? Maybe this morning?

    • Reply Bonnie Gray June 4, 2011 at 11:15 am

      Julie! That just took my breath away, hearing how God connected His encouragement through your prayer and today’s words. Thank you for taking the time to share your journey in this moment! You’ve encouraged me and others here. Jesus, may Your encouragement continue to wash over Julie this weekend. Amen.

  • Reply Meg June 4, 2011 at 11:06 pm

    Unbelievable. This post was a direct answer to things I’ve been praying about and specifically to the questions I was just asking the Lord in prayer this evening. There was something I felt called to in my life years ago, and then I got off track by some sinful choices and by hesitating in obedience. Now I feel called to return to it but I worry about all of the things you articulated in your post. Thank you so much for writing this. I am going to read it a few more times and I feel I have some answers now. I’ve never seen your blog before, what perfect timing. That is just so great! Correction, GOD is just so great!

  • Reply Jennifer June 6, 2011 at 7:48 am

    Bonnie, Thanks so much for your “visit” 🙂

  • Reply Roxana Ileana June 7, 2011 at 3:38 am

    Bonnie,

    Thank you so much for your writings on this blog. I’ve discovered your blog through Holley’s blog.dayspring. You both have encouraged me in the last months, during my journey regarding a relationship directed towards marriage.

    As the last 5 years have shown, some Christian blogs really “mentor” me and God answers to my daily struggles through your faith-life lessons you share. Thank you for doing that!

    These days I had a strong desire to check your blog (haven’t done it in months) – and I found this post about my “no” and “God’s yes” – “strange” providence of God. I was restling with feelings (egocentric) and true love – specifically about showing a certain young man that I care so much about him, even if I said we have nothing to discuss (when he requested that we willl have a face-to-face talk). Also, what you said about the “art of attraction” that takes two, the time for receiving but also the joy of asking was telling me I have to show him my heart for him, and not only wait to be pursued exclusively by his actions – I discovered he just needs to know my feelings for him before moving foward (initiating a discussion about us, cause we are in ministry together but don’t date or anything).

    So I wrote him an email, yesterday, after reading God’s answer through your post, and he wrote me back so warmly, and he said (for the third time now) that we will speak face to face.

    So, thank you so much! And please pray for John and Roxana Ileana – that we will have God’s guidance for our future relationship (if there will be any relationship at all : ) ) and also His blessing over the love we have for each other (I am certain of mine, I can “guess” his, through his warmth and actions).

    Love in Christ,
    Roxana Ileana

  • Reply Why You Encourage Me — I’d Like To See You! | Faith Barista June 10, 2011 at 12:20 am

    […] to remember each other in prayer this weekend.  I just finished a big project I’ve been daring to try. I’ll be celebrating with a trip to my fave bakery and enjoying some quiet […]

  • Reply { Unwrap Jesus } Slow Down (A Special Advent Giveaway) | Faith Barista December 15, 2011 at 12:07 am

    […] much has changed this year for me. I dared to jump in on dream deferred and I said yes to […]

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG

Sign up to refresh your soul with God’s love and rest. I’ll send you encouragement to nurture your heart and wellbeing. I’ll cheer you on!

SUBSCRIBE NOW»

Pull up a chair. Refresh your soul. Be inspired with soul care, stories & encouragement here. Breathe. This is a quiet space to swap some stories. Share your journey. Be the beloved. Be you. Serving up shots of faith for everyday life.
Bonnie Gray

“Bonnie has often led the way to freedom and truth by going there first herself. Her ability to invite us in as readers into our own stories only makes this world a better, more healed place.” 

– Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun

“If you’ve ever been weary and needed room to breathe, then Bonnie Gray is the guide you’ve been looking for as you journey with Jesus to a new place of peace and freedom in your life.” 

Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Powerful Power of Introverts

Order Now »

LISTEN TO BONNIE’S BREATHE PODCAST

VOTED 2022 CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD FINALIST BY ECPA

“In a world crying out for kindess and belonging, this is a book needed for our times. Sweet Like Jasmine is a gift, a beautiful remembrance, that God treasures each of our broken hearts in His sweeping story of redemption.” 

– Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of The Broken Way

Order Now »

BONNIE IS A TRUSTED VOICE TO SO MANY – FEATURED ON

Archives

Compassion International Blogger

Compassion International Blogger

Sometimes it takes more faith for us to enter into a child's story than simply praying that it changes. Experience these stories unscripted.

Read the stories»

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Instagram RSS Pinterest
Bonnie Gray

Contact

© 2018 Bonnie Gray. All rights reserved. Website by Contemplate Design | Privacy Policy
Bonnie Gray
  • Stories
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Breathe Podcast
  • Books
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact