scaredy cat.

Think about the thing you’re most afraid of. That repeating loop that you carry with you, that pokes at you from the darkened corner of your mind, where your fears all lurk and linger. That one that you just glanced over at, but quickly looked away to make sure nobody saw you looking at it? That’s the one. The one you can kind of sort of allude to in a conversation, but never directly name it because it is that crippling, and you’re afraid if you say it out loud, it just might answer back and step out from its decrepit corner. 

Name it. Call it out. Dare it to look back at you. 

Now take a deep breath in, hold it. Feel the Lord’s hand resting on your shoulder as he stands behind you and speaks over you who you really are. What you really have. Exhale.

Your fear is outside of you, it’s not a part of who you are. Remember that. 

Your fear is also not as powerful as you imagine it to be. But when you’re too close to something, you won’t recognize that yet.

Step back from it, but don’t step on Jesus’ toes (because that would be awkward - but he’d totally forgive you).

Invite someone to look at it with you. Tell them what you’re afraid of, and feel the crushing weight of it lighten just that much more. Because you’re not alone. You are not the only person with this fear, and you are not the only one that understands what you’re going through. There are way too many people that exist in the world for us to keep on believing that lie, so let’s just toss it out with the next bag of trash. Maybe that person isn’t even the one that you just told about your deep dark fear, but maybe they know someone else that can meet you in it. Life is too hard for us to bear these things alone. You have to let someone in, and you have to do it over and over again.

Stop telling yourself that you can’t ask someone for their time because they’re too busy. We’re all busy, but guess what? You matter too. And most people really aren’t that busy. You are allowed to exist and take up space. You are allowed to have a voice and have needs. It’s not a privilege, it’s a part of our shared humanity, so just own it and ask for help when you need it. Make space for someone else when you have it. Quit trying to be self-sufficient and polished, and just. be. what. you. are. 

Fear is a liar, a thief, stealing joy and life and so much more. We only have a handful of days to live, don’t worry your life away. Do it scared. 

Face the fear. Name it, and then remember your name. Remember who you are. Remember Christ. Because one day, we will see him as he is, face to face. We can finally turn all the way around, away from our fears and our sin and our brokenness, and face the one who conquered each and every one of them to make us whole again. That day is coming, friend. Hold on, and keep going. 

It’s gonna be GREAT.