Well, for starters…

As I commence my maiden voyage on this spectacular, insightful, how-did-I-not-know-about-it-sooner sea that is Medium, I have decided to keep this first post short(ish) and sweet. For those who know me, don’t look so surprised! For those who don’t, your time will soon come. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

This is how I would like to preface the tone of everything I say (here and everywhere). *Ahem* shall we?

“’With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?’

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:6–8

These words have been a source of conviction and encouragement for me, especially vs. 8. Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly. I’ve always sort of thought of this as my mantra.

But… Am I really living it? As I aim for justice, am I also kind? Often times, no. As I am kind, am I seeking truth, or people pleasing? Uh oh. Am I internalizing and displaying humility in all of it? Nope, not always.

There are things that I feel strongly about and things that matter greatly to me. But am I vocalizing them with love and respect?

Are my conscience-driven thoughts and opinions breeding healthy, critical dialogue on issues and injustices I see and experience, or are they causing rifts and disrespect among people I love and care about? Do I speak with the desire solely to be correct, or to expose truth? Am I doing it all with compassion, love, patience, respect, and empathy? Am I seeking truth merely though my own lens, or through God’s?

Words from a dear friend prompted this inner dialogue, and after a good bit of crying (a lot of it, honestly), praying, and reflecting, here I am.

I was always taught to think before I speak. But I need to not only think, but also to pray and seek before I speak.

This is partially an inner dialogue and me preaching to myself, but also a form of self-accountability to stay the course throughout the conversations and arguments in which I engage. My hope is that everything I say on here will reflect these words.

So, Brie, listen up. Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly, dang it!