How to Have Crazy Courage

Claire Black: This is True Girl, a podcast for girls and their moms. Together, we’ll explore God’s truth for us, one track at a time!

Yep, that’s right! This season, we’re introducing new tunes that we know you’ll want to add to your playlist. 

But you can be sure this isn’t just any music. Each song was carefully written to share important biblical truth . . . and the beats aren’t too bad either!

Join True Girl founder Dannah Gresh and her co-host, Staci Rudolph, as they hit the highway for the ultimate road trip! There’s gonna be good conversation, a pretty cool vehicle that may just be the True Girl tour bus, and the best playlist ever!

Knowing Dannah and Staci, things may get a bit crazy too, but that's okay!

This season, we’ll learn about being crazy for Jesus! The world tells us to be normal and be like everyone else, but we know that God wants us to stand out. We’ll learn how to do that, tune by tune.

Let’s get moving for the first episode of our eleventh season, titled, “Crazy for Jesus!” Here’s Dannah Gresh and Staci Rudolph!

Dannah Gresh: Staci, can you believe that we’re getting ready to head out west?! I’m in need of a road trip!

Staci Rudolph: Who you tellin’?

Dannah: I’m telling you!

Staci Rudolph: I know. It’s just a saying. But seriously, I am geeked about this trip. And we’re using one of my favorite modes of transportation—the True Girl tour bus! 

Dannah: You’ve gotta stop honkin’ that horn for no reason.

Staci: You’re right. I’m just so excited; I can’t help it. I’ve had so many good times on this bus! Like when we built the blanket fort in the hallway of the bunk area. So cool! 

Or when we watched TV and ate cereal in the back lounge!

Dannah: Yeah, I was picking up Fruit Loops for days. 

Staci: Sure, good times, good times.

Hey! When’s Dave the bus driver coming? We sure can’t drive this thing, and I’m ready to hit the road.

Dannah: Oh, he texted that he’s on his way. He’ll be here soon. In the meantime, I need to set up my bunk. Every True Girl tour bus veteran knows you’ve got to make you bunk your own. 

So, I’ve got my fluffy white pillow, fuzzy purple blanket, and pictures of the people and things I love. Grandbabies and of course furry friends, they’re included. What did you bring, Staci??

Staci: Well, I always have my comfy cozy stuff for sure—like my pillow, blanket, the works. But I’m always sure to tuck my favorites like tea, my journal, and earplugs in the basket at the bottom of my bunk too!

Dannah: Your earplugs?

Staci: Hey, if you put ten people on a bus, you can be sure that one of them will be a snorer, and I need all my sleep.

Dannah: Well, there’s only the two of us on the bus this time, Staci, and I can guarantee I’m not a snorer.

Staci: Hmmm, I’ll be the judge of that! Hey, you know one of my favorite parts of road trips?

Dannah: What?

Staci: The playlist! I don’t mean to toot my own horn . . .

Dannah: Nope, do not honk that thing again, Staci!

Staci: Okay, okay! But I’m just sayin’, I may be one of the best road trip DJs out there. 

And boy, do I have a playlist for this trip. Let’s just say the new True Girl CD may be one of my favorites ever!

Dannah: Oh, we’re gonna listen to it? I can’t wait! I’ve listened to bits and pieces as we put it together, but I haven’t gotten to listen to it straight through yet. This is going to be great. 

You know what one of my favorite parts of a road trip is?

Staci: What?

Dannah: The conversations! The girl talk, yes! I think some of the best conversations I’ve had have been in the car while driving. It’s like the distractions of life are gone and it’s just you, the other person, and the open road. 

Staci: I know exactly what you mean. You probably know this, but these songs are going to give us lots to talk about. There’s so much truth packed into each one. Hey! You think we can kick the playlist off while we wait for Dave?

Dannah: You bet! 

Staci: We can listen while we unpack, right?

Dannah: That’s a good idea! Which song are you going to cue up first?

Staci: Hmmm, well, I’m feeling really excited for this trip but a little nervous too. Kind of like I feel when I’m heading up a big climb on a rollercoaster! So, I think “Rollercoaster” is just the one.

Here it is! “Rollercoaster” from the True Girl Crazy for Jesus album.

Good or bad day
Mountain or valley, 
I know every season 
You’re with me always.

I’ll be courageous; 
It’s contagious. 
I’ll obey cause 
You’re the author of the pages.
You get the first and last word.

No matter what 
I’m gonna trust You.
You write my story; 
I’ve learned
That You can do anything.

Life can be a rollercoaster ride,
But I know that You are by my side.
It can be up and down
And in and out,
But I will follow You.
Hands in the air and feel the wind
Cause will trust You as my friend.

I can be strong and brave
Be bold and say,
I will follow You.
Follow You
On this rollercoaster ride.

Stand up like Esther;
Follow like Ruth.
Be like Hannah, and in prayer
Seek the truth.

Patient like Rachel,
Like Deborah I’ll obey.
I’ll be like Mary 
Letting You lead the way

You get the first and last word.
No matter what 
I’m gonna trust You.
You write my story. 
I’ve learned
That You can do anything.

Life can be a rollercoaster ride,
But I know that You are by my side.
It can be up and down
And in and out,
But I will follow You.
Hands in the air and feel the wind
Cause will trust You as my friend.
I can be strong and brave
Be bold and say,
I will follow You.

Follow You
On this rollercoaster ride.
You lead the way!
I will obey!
Everyday!
Rollercoaster ride.
You lead the way!
I will be brave! 
Everyday!

On this rollercoaster ride.
Life can be a rollercoaster ride,
But I know that You are by my side.
It can be up and down
And in and out
But I will follow You.
Hands in the air and feel the wind
Cause will trust You as my friend.
I can be strong and brave,
Be bold and say,
I will follow You

You lead the way!
I will obey !
Everyday!
On this rollercoaster ride.
You lead the way!
I will be brave!
Everyday!
On this rollercoaster ride.¹

Staci: Whew! That song is a BOP!

Dannah: A what?

Staci: A bop—something you wanna dance and jam out to.

Dannah: I’ll tell you, I learn a new word from you every day, Staci Rudolph.

But you are right, that song does make me want to jam out. The real reason I love it though is because it describes life perfectly. Life can be the ultimate rollercoaster. It’s filled with ups and downs.

Staci: Yep! One day could be the best day in the world, and the next one could be the toughest. You just never know what’s going to happen.

Dannah: Yes ma’am. But we know who does: God.

Staci: Amen! He sure does.

Dannah: And not only does He know what’s going to happen in our lives, He promises to help us through whatever comes our way. 

Hey, before you tuck that Bible into your shelf, turn to Isaiah 41:10?

Staci: You got it.

Alrighty, Isaiah 41:10:

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Dannah: See, God promises us that He’ll strengthen and hold us through whatever happens in life. We can have victory through Him. 

Staci:That is a great truth to stand on.

Another thing that song reminds me of is the fact that it’s all about our perspective or how we see situations. 

Did you know, a fun fact is that the same chemical is released for both fear and excitement in our body. It’s called epinephrine or adrenaline. The cool thing about this is that we get to choose if we feel afraid or excited.

Now, don’t get me wrong, sometimes fear is good and necessary. It alerts us to situations that could be dangerous or harmful.

Dannah: Oh, like seeing a bear when you’re camping!

Staci: Exactly! That would be terrifying! But that fear would prompt us to be careful and get to safety in the best way possible. But sometimes we make situations fearful that don’t really present danger. Like being afraid to start a new school or try out for the basketball team. Those should be exciting new opportunities! Not things to make us afraid. 

My mom would always tell me, “Life is like a rollercoaster. We decide if we’re going to scream or enjoy the ride.” 

Dannah: That’s so fitting for that song, and you’re right. When safe but new situations come, we want to make sure we’re deciding to be excited and courageous in them because we know we have God, and He will strengthen us through.

Staci: Yes ma’am! Let’s do like Ephesians 6:10 says and, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

Dannah: Absolutely! Hey, you know something that will get you pretty excited, Staci?

Staci: What?

Dannah: I think I see Dave pulling up!

Staci: Yes! That means it’s time to roll.

(Staci honks the horn)

Dannah: Staci!

Staci: Sorry!!

Claire: Whew, what a ride! Looks like Dannah and Staci are off to a great start of what’s sure to be an epic road trip. Just like they had to prepare for the ups and downs of the open road, you and I need to get ready for the ups and downs of life. With God strengthening and holding me, I’ve got all the courage I need, and so do you!

If you’ve been loving the playlist so far, be sure to check out the True Girl Crazy for Jesus Album created just for girls like you. It’ll do just that: make you crazy for Jesus! It’s only available through the True Girl ministry. You can grab a copy at the True Girl Crazy Hair Tour, or at MyTrueGirl.com.

You know, that album would make a great gift for friends! In fact, we have LOTS of great gifts in our store. Things like Bible studies, memory verse cards, fiction books, and even some jewelry with faith-filled reminders engraved onto it. Again, you can check all that out at MyTrueGirl.com.

Join us next time, when we talk about how to be crazy loving towards others. We’ll also explore what happens when we are. You won’t want to miss it!

The True Girl podcast is produced by Revive Our Hearts calling women of all ages to freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ!

“Rollercoaster” lyrics and music by Carmen Hadley and David Thulin. 

*Offers available only during the broadcast of the podcast season.