John Eldredge talks much about the wiring of a man, about our built-in longing for the validation of our capability. “Do I have what it takes?” is the rhythm of a man’s heart, and from our youth it beats on inside us – a deep question in need of a true answer.

But most of us never hear it, so we answer ourselves. Romantic conquests become a kind of response, “You have what it takes” she says. Jobs and status become another kind of answer, “This legal tender represents capability.” And on we crawl, engaged in a real battle with plastic guns and toy knives, looking to fight an enemy most of us don’t even  know exists.

And we get older and call the question “answered” but we chase Eve all over Eden and try to earn as much money as possible – hoping that one or both will supply enough affirmation to quiet the echoing.

“Do I really have what it takes?” The call continues.

And answering the question is risky.

I don’t risk many things. I never have. The college I went to, the girls I’ve dated, the jobs I’ve taken, the comfortable faith I’ve adopted. All sources of solid, reliable affirmation.  Please understand, I’ve been lucky in each department, and God’s brilliantly weaved those stories into some kind of beautiful narrative, but still – I haven’t risked much.

Risk is for other people, I reason. Other people with less to lose. Other people with perfect families and abundant opportunities. People without student loans and people without plans. It’s not for me, though, I live on the other side of the street, a different neighborhood altogether.

If you’re anything like me, more nights than you care to admit are spent wondering “what if?” – What if we did risk? What if we truly leaned in the direction of our dreaming? Literally, what’s the worst that could happen? What if we did? What’s to lose? I’m not talking about quitting your job or finding another husband and I’m certainly not talking about some kind of physical risk (though, there’s some merit there) but the real kind of risk. The kind that costs something, the tough conversations, the revelations, the deep transparency that I’m truly afraid of.

But, how?

To be honest, I’ve no idea. I guess that’s why I’m asking you. Where do we start? How do we risk in the direction of our dreams? Is it worth it?

What do we have to lose? Do you have what it takes? Do I?