Hey, Carpool Crew! It’s day twenty-three of Proverbs for Your School Life. Today we’re talking about that moment when the laughing starts... and it’s all pointed at one kid. You know you should do something. But suddenly your heart is pounding and your mouth goes dry. I’m Pastor Justin, and first, a big shout-out to Lucy, Lily, and Trip in Columbia, South Carolina! A whole crew in one shout-out. Glad you’re riding with us today. Here’s the one thing I want you to remember for the ride: **Doing right makes you lion-brave.** Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” I love that picture. A lion doesn’t need everybody else to tell it to be brave. And Solomon says when you know what’s right, you can be bold too. But here’s something important: **Being scared doesn’t mean you’re not brave.** Brave is just scared with its feet still planted. Think about Jesus. One day, people were trying to keep kids away from Him. Jesus didn’t just watch it happen. He stepped in and said, “Let the little children come to me.” He spoke up for the people being pushed aside. You can too. Imagine you’re on the bus. A kid gets on and drops his trumpet case. CLUNK. A few kids start laughing. Then more join in. He’s standing in the aisle, his face turning red. And you feel it. Heart pounding. Mouth dry. You could stare out the window and pretend you didn’t notice. Or you could slide over and say: **“That’s not cool. Sit here.”** That’s it. No giant speech. No superhero moment. Just four words and an empty seat. Maybe some kids keep laughing. Maybe somebody thinks you’re weird. But now that kid isn’t standing there alone. **That’s a lion move. It doesn’t have to roar. It just doesn’t back down.** So here’s your one thing for today: **Do one right thing you’re a little scared to do.** Speak up for somebody. Sit with the kid who’s alone. Tell the truth when your voice feels shaky. And if you need them, borrow these four words: **“That’s not cool. Sit here.”** Let’s go back to the one thing I want you to remember: **Doing right makes you lion-brave.** Remember, no matter where you are or how you’re listening, God loves you. And parents, if you want more encouragement like this throughout the week, come follow Carpooling with Jesus on Instagram. We share simple reminders, clips, and things you can pass along to your kids anytime. Before you go, answer this together: **What’s one right thing you’re a little scared to do? What would being lion-brave look like?** I’ll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.
