afraidy cat.

i have been so blessed to grow up in a christian family.

i have been surrounded by people of faith for my entire life.

& you have no idea how grateful i am for that.

even still. after years of cultivating my faith & relationship with the Lord...

i am still a big ol' afraidy cat.

even though i have participated in about one-hundred bible studies.

with friends. with family. with church peers. 

that have influenced my life & instilled wisdom beyond belief.

i still find myself living in the stronghold of fear.

but this summer i am participating in a beth moore study.

it is unbelievable.

that girl has got it going on.

and she just may be able to help me change my perspective on fear.

we are studying the book of esther.

a book that i had given very little attention to prior.

i am amazed at all the depth & wisdom within those few short chapters.

& this past week was especially convicting for me.

as we spoke about esther's bravery in fulfilling her calling.

for such a time as this.

so many times in life i am paralyzed by fear.

the fear of the unknown. the fear of what may happen. the fear of living in fear.

i can't tell you how many times i have looked at my lovie with tears in my eyes saying

i am so nervous about this. or i am so anxious about that. or what if.

but beth shared something so profound that has changed my outlook of living in fear.

did you know...

 that the command that is proclaimed in the bible with the greatest frequency is

do not be afraid.

do not be afraid. do not be afraid. do not be afraid. 

knowing that in our lives we will face the crippling affect of fear.

to remind ourselves that fear is not faith. 

and that we should not be afraid.

takes away the paralyzing grip that we once chose to cling to.

in those moments of fear. choosing to remind ourselves that the Lord is with us.

& that He will work all things to good. is such a reassuring thought.

allowing us to take a deep breath.

and just trust.

that just as He has been faithful in the past. He will remain faithful.

so that we do not have to live life as little afraidy cats.

but as trusting women of faith.

so, friends. if you are anything like me.

a vulnerable & weak girl. 

who struggles with worry. and fear. and an anxious mind.

{and we all most certainly do}

take heart.

and do not be afraid.

for we serve a great big God.

yet He is small enough to hear us in our fear.

and that, my sweet friends, is deserving of the biggest amen of all.

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