Look at this guy! Standing there in a pond full of flowers with an old, student model trumpet in his hands; bell facing the busy road, leaning back, aiming the notes to the sky. That’s confidence!

As a metal sculpture, this man’s lips are unlikely to function properly, and he probably won’t be able to produce a good trumpet tone. In fact I haven’t heard a single note out of him in the five years he’s been standing here! His horn is in terrible condition after being left out in the elements for half a decade. The odds of success are totally stacked against him.

And yet here he is, proudly offering his gifts to the world without doubt or inhibition.

Gutsy. Bold. Bad Ass. 

He’s not worried about what people will think of his playing. He’s not worried if they’ll like his song. He isn’t listening to those who tell him he can’t do it or that he’s not good enough, that his sculpted lips won’t vibrate or that he needs a better instrument. 

He takes what he has to offer and sends it out into the world. 

Gutsy. Bold. Bad-Ass. Inspirational.  Educational.

There are too many times when I doubt myself, wondering if my skills and offerings are of any value.  Will anybody read my writing? Will it mean anything to them? Will they think I’m a good writer? 

As a trumpet player myself, I often wonder what people think of me as I’m standing in front of them, blowing brass-tinged air into their faces. Maybe they think I should’ve practiced more.  Maybe they’re right.

Self-doubt, in small doses, can be a healthy part of human nature, leading to self-reflection and improvement.  But sometimes finding the balance is tricky.

Fortunately my metal-faced, trumpet playing hero gives us a model to follow, encouraging us to stand tall and breathe deep as we blow our gifts out into the community with joy, hope and pride.

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