ode to bold

When you think of boldness, do you ever wish you had more or less? Most people would say more, some would even wish less for those they love. I'm straddling the fence on this one.
Years ago when we found out we were having a girl, I thought it would be really smart to start praying about this unusual predicament seeing that I grew up with three brothers, had a husband and son. The only girl in my life came years later in the form of my sister, who I tried very hard to give up for adoption because she was too 'girly' for me. I have since came to the conclusion everyone should have a sister, it just helps life go along more smoothly. When I first thought about having a girl, I thought how is this possible? What if she wants her hair braided and to wear little dresses all the time?
I grew up in a boys world where you didn't admit you liked things like that. I sought out the smartest person I knew to give me some insight and try to help me understand, only to be told; Linda you have approximately seven months to try to figure out how you feel about this, then
she will definetly let you know how you WILL feel! I said fine! Then I did the only thing I knew to do. I went shopping! I figured this best way to learn what little girls like would be to go to the girls department. Three hours later and so many 'can I help you find something' that I lost count of, I finally thought, Ok I can do this. I sat down in my quiet time and told God, yes I am the one who has the audacity to 'tell' God exactly how things should be! So I said Lord if we're going to have a girl I need her to have a few things.
I want her to have eyes like mine, so I will always know she belongs to me. I want her hair to be like her fathers so she'll have the most beautiful texture ever, little did I know he would take up shaving his head. I want her to have a heart for you twice the strength of mine, so I know she will always pursue you and not things of this world. I want her to have sympathy and empathy for those who are in need, so she will always be humble. I want her to have boldness so she will always have the voice to speak up when things are wrong. Little did I realize God heard and granted me exactly what I asked. Years later and many occasions I have begged for some of this boldness to be distributed out! But deep down I realize how proud I am of this child who has grown into a fine young lady. From the boldness she had in first grade when I finally realized she was taking all our bibles to school because her 'bible teaching class' had grown so large she had to break up into group. To most recent when she stood up to a class bully in college, yes I said college class-yes adult class-and the bully was dismissed for terrorizing the entire class. Next time you see a person who has a little bit more boldness than you think they should. Just take a minute to stop and pray that God has them right where they need to be, you might be surprised how much your life has been impacted by them.