“Fear is Not An Option”

Fear is that four-letter word that can be uniquely defined by each one of us. And I tend to think that our particular definition is largely dependent upon our life experiences. Some of us can quickly recall our most recent moment of elevated heart rate and sweaty palms that remind us of the exact moment. Many of us would like to forget the entire situation, circumstances and all the distasteful details.

When I did a swift research of the word, fear, here are the results:

an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone.
the likelihood of something unwelcome happening.
a mixed feeling of dread and reverence.

I took a hard look at those underlined descriptive words because that’s where the triggered impact is for me. And the top two heavy words: dread and anxiety.

There’s something deeper to weigh in on when you are brought back to a point in reading words that take hold of your soul. I can’t shake it – I refuse to ignore it. The Holy Spirit tugs on me until I deal with it.

After recording my New Year’s resolutions (which I debated internally for a long time), I realized where my dread and anxiety were surfacing. As I stared long and hard at the commitments I had pledged before GOD, I came to understand that I had accepted a mission that I was secretly fearing failure. To the point that I was planning not to share any of my resolutions with you, my Friend.

But there is freedom in transparency. There is healing in honesty. And the grace of GOD pours peace and calm among likeminded Sisters-in-Christ. I trust I am in good hands within this community of readers. And if there is any good, it will be that anyone else experiencing this dread and anxiety will be free and give GOD the glory.

My fear of failure is directly associated with not living up to my commitment to spread the love of GOD using the gifts and talents He has given me.

This is a huge issue with me, the recovering perfectionist. I set a ‘bar’ and expect myself to fulfill criteria ~ as I see fit. Mistakenly taking my plans as written in cement with no room for error or little flexibility.

As I have prayed about this mindset, I am gently reminded that GOD’s Plan for my life will always prevail, even when it looks nothing like I had expected or hoped for.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

A lot of anxiety gets mixed into the bowl when you fear failing. Dread is the fallout of not living up to what I think are the expectations of others (aka: judgement). That ultimate ‘palm-to-the-red-face’ moment. Can you relate?

After prayerful meditation, the folly of my thoughts were clearly peeled back. The veil was torn in my brain and I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. I also realized that with such a powerful commitment, I am a target for the enemy of my soul and likely to be distracted and derailed. And so are you, Sweet Friend. Armor up!

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 NIV

Let us take the gift of Grace and spread it far and wide and let nothing stop us until Jesus returns. It is He Who will have the final say, as it is His Eyes that are watching over us.

I pray GOD’s blessings for your new year to launch with joy in your heart and a song of praise. Go out there and tell somebody, Sister!