LETTING FEAR CONTROL YOUR LIFE
I had the best time visiting Alaska last week. It was one of the best vacations I have ever taken. When my daughter first started talking about Joe and me visiting I had that moment of fear when I started thinking about having to fly for such a long period of time. Because I love my daughter and I really wanted to see her I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind and went ahead with all the arrangements. I could have easily come up with an excuse or two to put the trip off but I would have been letting fear dictate my decision.
Flying is not the only thing I am afraid of. I am afraid of staying by myself alone at night. It is not as bad as it used to be, but I hate getting into bed and then letting my thoughts run wild. I always take the dogs to bed with me when Joe is out of town because they give me some comfort. They are not great for protection and would probably hide behind me if someone actually came into the room. I remember once when the kids were in high school and Joe was gone that Beckley started growling and barking at my bedroom door. I wasn’t too concerned because I knew that it was about midnight and that the kids weren’t in bed yet. I got up and opened up the door and told Beckley that no one was there but he took off like a flash. I followed him down the hall and when I got to the kitchen there stood one of the kid’s friends. He had dropped by and was talking to them. I couldn’t hear him but Beckley could and was not happy about it.
How about fear of public speaking? Put that on my list, too. I have really been trying to conquer that fear and I put myself in situations where I do have to occasionally speak in public. So far I haven’t passed out in fear nor have a made a complete fool of myself so I guess that is something.
Fears are everywhere, fear of commitment, fear of heights, fear of taking tests, and fear of failing are things that come to my mind first. Fear of failing has held so many people back from reaching their full potential. My son was a very good basketball player but he hated the idea of failing. The coach would draw up a plan at the end of the game for the team to get the ball in his hands for a three point shot but as soon as he got the ball he would pass it off. It didn’t matter who he gave the ball to as long it was not him. He would rather lose the game than to risk failing.
When I started this blog I told no one. The only person who knew was my sister because she had been trying to get me to do a blog for over a year. She helped me set everything up and get going. BUT, I didn’t tell Joe or the kids, I didn’t tell my mother, and I didn’t tell my best friends. Why? Why would I not tell the people closest to me about a new adventure I was taking? Fear! I was afraid that they would make fun of me and I was afraid no one would ever read my blog. I was afraid I would fail.
“‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’” Isaiah 43:1b-2 (NIV)
Read these words and then read them again. How can you be afraid when the Lord is with you? He says, “Do Not Fear!” He says that “I will be with you!” I can’t think of anyone that I would rather have with me, beside me, guiding me, and pushing me to bigger and better things than the Lord. I am so thankful that I did not let fear keep me from trying something new. I am so thankful that the Lord has plans for me and that in spite of my fearful attitude I am trusting in Him. He is with me always! Even if I fail I know that He was with me and that He will not leave me. That gives me strength, that gives me hope, and that gives me a life not controlled by fear.
Have a Blessed Sunday!
I get so much from your “Sunday thoughts”! Your words are always inspirational and on point! Thank you!
Love this blog. I too have fears, what happened to that young girl and young woman who had no fear of anything was always on the edge and ready to jump. I never use to worry about things at all, my thought was it would always be fine. Now as a grandma, retired, and just now reached the age I thought was really old, I find my self questioning if I can be good enough, look good, and if my skills will measure up. At this age I have finally realized I am somewhat invisible to the outside world and I have finally come to the conclusion that should free me from all of my fences I’ve wrapped around myself God has been with me always and has protected me from myself more times than I can remember. So after reading this great blog I have finally found the wings that I thought had disappeared and am ready to finish my life as I once was unstoppable. Thanks for your wonderful blog
Jean, so many women our age feel invisible. I promise you that we are NOT! We have people who look up to us for one reason or another, we have people who love us, and we are very visible to the Lord! I am so happy that this blog has helped you. ?
Love your honesty! I can’t say I’m fearful of too many things but knowing Jesus is right beside me holding my hand gives me great comfort! Thanks for sharing. And I for am glad you started your blog.
Tania, thank you for talking about fear as I have claustrophobia and didn’t fly for 13 years! I now medicate but I’m going on my first European trip and am petrified! Your message came at a good time for me!
Julia, I feel your pain. Medication, meditation, and faith will see you through this. Sit in an aisle seat, that helps not to feel as claustrophobic. I think about the “A” Team when I fly. Do you remember that show and how they had to knock Mr. T out to get him on a plane? Lol! Have a good time and remember the one who is in control.
I can worry about everything too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I love this Max Lucado quote:
“At the beginning of every act of faith there is often a seed of fear.”
Tania this touched me deeply just when I desperately needed it. I’m grateful for your openness and it’s given me encouragement when I was very low. Thank you.❤
Hi Tanya, I want to introduce myself to you. I am Patty Flott. I love your blog, especially your post today. It spoke to my heart. So many times in life God uses others to speak to you, today He used you! Thank you. I realize I have not launched my blog Meet Me At Midlife, for fear of failure. I am very close to taking the plunge but have yet to go live. I tell myself I don’t have enough content or I ask myself will anybody be interested? Reading your post has made me understand my blog is for me, it’s my space to speak and share, if others are meant to follow it, it will be God’s will. It doesn’t need to be perfect to start, like me, it can be a “work in progress”! God is working with me everyday, thank you again for sharing His words today.
Warm Regards,
Patty Flott
Patty, I understand where you are, I was there several months ago. I had no idea why I started this blog, I thought it was to help us women reinvent themselves as we age and step into another chapter of our lives. However, I really think that the Lord set this in motion to reach women out there who were in need, not only in fashion but also emotionally and spiritually. I have no idea why He would have chosen me as a vehicle but I am extremely grateful that He has. Start your blog, you never know the direction it might take.
Patty, you write beautifully and I would read your blog. Let us know when you launch.
Tania, this is a much needed message to everyone these days! Thank you for sharing!
How timely this post is for me! First let me say that I’m extremely introverted but have recently committed to overcoming some of the social anxiety fears in my life.
That said, last week I ventured out to do some shopping at the mall, which I haven’t done in almost a decade. During my visit to an Old Navy, based on outfits you have worn on the blog and recommendations you have made, I had an encounter unlike any I would have ever had in the past!
At one point I happened to overhear the conversation of three very attractive women, all of whom were in our age group, discussing age appropriate fashion and how they feared being accused of trying to be 20 something wannabes.
I immediately apologized for intruding on their conversation but took out my phone, opened up Pinterest and turned them on to your blog!
I don’t know where they were from and I didn’t get their names, just wanted to share with you that your posts touch many lives in more ways than you can begin to imagine.
Keep up the good work!
CJ, that is wonderful! I am so happy to hear that you faced your fears and stepped outside your comfort zone. Your comment brought tears to my eyes. I have been so blessed with wonderful readers but I never really think that anything I say or do has an impact on their lives. Thank you so much for sharing my blog with others. ?