why words of strength make me cry

sometimes someone will say something to me,
something encouraging and kind-
and it will immediately cause a lump in my throat,
and tears in my eyes.

I used to think it was a reaction to kindness,
now I understand its a reaction to the words-
the validation.

Today I a dear friend called me brave.
it made me cry!
Why?
because there is so much understanding in the word.

when your world falls apart
and you face a new future-
you have no choice.
you want to run-you want to hide-
YOU choose not to.
Facing what YOU have to,
and learning to be strong
means overcoming things that scare you daily.

Hearing the word 'brave'
is a reflection
of every nervous moment I have had..
every time I have done something I did not want to
because I knew I must!
and every day that I wake up
knowing I carry my children's provision in my hands
and knowing what to fail might mean-
but choosing to give my all anyway.

I am surrounded by many brave men and woman,
those that face this alone,
those that face this with illness,
those that face this with fears!!
Take heart in the words given to you by others-
and let the strength behind them,
carry you for another day!!