To Take The Leap of Faith

“...be it unto me according to Thy word.” – Luke 1:38, King James Version

My most favourite line in Mary’s Annunciation story which eventually became my ultimate mantra whenever I meet crossroads in my life.

And perhaps the most difficult mantra I ever decided to have.

It’s like deciding to dive from a cliff not knowing what’s waiting below – sharp rocks, dangerous sea creatures, a deep trench. If you do dive, will you be able to swim back up alive? But you jump anyway.

It’s like starting your business using your own and only savings unsure if your business will thrive or if it goes bankrupt instead. But you invest and start it anyway.

It’s like betting your fragile heart to a person – a friend, a lover – not knowing for sure if they’ll be able to take care of it. But you grab the chance to love anyway.

It’s like surrendering to the uncertain and hoping that something good will come out of it.

It’s like putting your trust to the unknown, afraid but still willing to thrust.

It’s in between the fear and the decision to trust and surrender where I ask and find the grace which I call courage.

The courage to step out of my comfort zone.

The courage to say yes or no to an opportunity.

The courage to accept the consequences that lie ahead.

It’s not easy to utter that same phrase as what Mary did before the angel of the Lord. And so, I always still pray for the grace of courage.

It’s not easy to take that great leap of faith. And so, I still focus and reflect on my mantra: “...be it unto me according to Thy word."

My personal prayer for Mary: Mama Mary, thank you for being my greatest example of  courage and faith. You have accepted your mission despite the uncertainty that lay ahead. I pray that, through you, God may also grant me the same courage you had for each and every crossroad I will encounter. Amen.