Love: The Secret to Bravery. What if love is the spark that makes us brave? I’m Annaise, part of the teaching team at Garden City, wrapping up our virtues series with the “tiny” topic of love. As a therapist, mom to a two-and-a-half-year-old, and Tacoma transplant (five years here, two at Garden City), I’m thrilled to share how God’s love transforms us—starting inside and rippling out.
Think concentric circles: God’s love at the center, then our community, then all people, like Jesus modeled—praying to the Father, leaning on friends, dying for everyone. It begins here: I am deeply loved by God.
Circle One: God’s Love Rewrites Us
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us… we are children of God!” (1 John 3:1). Our bodies are wired for this—attachment science (my nerdy obsession) shows early bonds shape us: Am I lovable? When life wounds us, God’s reckless love heals. Think Prodigal Son—the father runs to his kid (Luke 15:20-24). Or the Psalms, holding our doubts. This love rewires us, literally. Try this breath prayer: Inhale—I am known. Exhale—I am loved.
Circle Two: Love Builds Community
Jesus says, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34-35). At Garden City, we’re called to be that love—breaking silos with compassion, shame with vulnerability, and division with truth-filled connection. It’s messy, brave work.
Circle Three: Love Expands
Jesus loved wide—teaching, healing, dying for all. We’re next, partnering with St. Leo’s Food Bank and growing our neighborhood love (stay tuned for George’s series). Love makes us brave, as Dr. Hillary McBride says: “Connection turns fear into courage.”
Pray with me: God, root us in your love, make us brave to love big. Amen.
Let’s do this, Garden City—love changes everything