Gabrielle Union received the Fierce and Fearless Award from Essence Magazine some time last year.  I have never had what would conventionally be thought of as a “fierce and fearless” persona, but over the course of my years in ministry, I’ve often been tempted to put one on.   I’ve also been guilty of dimming my own natural God-given shine, but now I’m on the road to recovering it. And that’s why Gabrielle’s acceptance speech resonates with me.  She held strength and vulnerability together while confessing her flaws and struggles. She affirmed the community of family and friends that have accompanied her on the journey.  There is something fierce about facing fear.

Jesus has named his followers after himself – the light of the world.  No longer is it acceptable to live in a dimmed existence that tries to disappear or an artificial fluorescence that seeks to outshine  — both are rooted in hiding under a basket. The Gospel is beautiful in that it allows the radiance of Christ to shine through the uniqueness and unity of a fierce and fearless people who have received God’s grace.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”   Matthew 5:14-16 (NRSV)

Your Call: Watch and reflect on the video.  What would it look like for you to become fierce and fearless?