I have just finished reading this great book by Georgette Heyer called Beavallet. It contains swashbuckling adventure, bold escapes and, of course, the daring romance at the centre of it all. Exactly my cup of tea! (I really should stop using that metaphor though, since I do not like tea at all.)
The leading man, affectionately known as Mad Nick, will stop at nothing to rescue his lady, even braving the possibility of the Spanish Inquisition. His motto in the face of all is “reck not.” He cannot be dissuaded from his purpose by any reasoning or life-threatening peril. He simply laughs and says “We reck not!”
Of course, you will have to read it for yourself to find out what misadventures he gets himself into…and out of again. But I was struck by those two words: reck not. They remind me of little Simba in The Lion King, when he says “Danger? I walk on the wild side. I laugh in the face of danger!”
I am also reminded of Caleb, who was bold enough to take on the sons of Anak. I happen to be reading The Warrior by Francine Rivers (a story about Caleb’s life), as well as working through Numbers in my Bible. So, this story really comes to life for me. I can imagine Caleb looking at those mountains and the giants and saying “reck not!” He could not afford to think about the possibilities of defeat. He placed his faith in God and had a ‘bring it on’ attitude, even at the age of eighty-five. And there are more examples:
Esther, when planning to go before the king. “If I perish, I perish.” Reck not! [Esther 4:16]
David, when facing Goliath. “The battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” Reck not! [1 Sam 17:47 NIV]
The three mighty men, who broke through enemy lines just to get their king a drink of water. Reck not! [2 Sam 23:13-17 NIV]
Sometimes it is healthy to take a risk, to be audaciously bold. If we stay in our comfort zones, we never know the adventure, the possibilities for greatness or the thrill of succeeding where we never dreamed we could. And so I say: reck not!
(Reck definition: care, worry)
Romancing The Rock 
What a fantastic lesson in words! And also in the attitude of people who know God is on their side and are equipped for the task ahead.
Blessings to you 🙂
🙂 I am definitely adding reck to my list of favourite words! In fact I used it in a Writing Challenge article which I am planning on entering this week. Yes, when you have God on your side, there really is nothing to worry about.