Even with fear and trembling....

Hey all! Happy Friday!

It has been a beautiful week here in the Midwest – perfect weather for this time of year with even some gray chilly rainy days thrown in to get us acclimated to the need for sweaters and coats and such.

I saw someone post something about their favorite part of winter is when it is over. This is not my wiring. I love the seasons and am enjoying this one so very much.

Since our grands got a fall break this week and took a little time away as a family, Russ and I made an overnight down to St. Louis on Wednesday.

We had dinner with Sarah and Jack and then on Thursday, Russ used up some Top Golf gift cards that Sarah had gifted him in the past.

He let me be his golf buddy which gives you an even better picture of how patient and kind he is.

Because in addition to not being a great golfer, I am terrified of heights.

So every turn of mine, in our little bay on the third floor of this crazy driving range, involved me taking a deep breath and gingerly tiptoeing out to the tee.

Russ didn’t have to remind me to keep my head down. I absolutely could not look to the left of the golf ball as this would mean I saw how high up we were from the ground.

I would check off all the boxes for position and technique that I have been taught, bring my club back, swing and stare the daylights out of that little white ball until my club made contact. Then I would duck and cringe before heading back to the safety of our shelter.

Fear.

Gripping fear.

Every time.

Sure there was a safety net of super strong capability at the edge of the drop off. And the drop off was quite a distance from where I was standing. I was on solid hard ground, but the sensation of looking out over the distance between me and the greens below was a heart stopper.

My fear was unfounded.

We were perfectly safe from falling.

But my head couldn’t accept that and free me from the fear.

I mean, I did overcome it enough to take half the bay rental time as we alternated shots, but it was never easy breezy.

I am reminded that God put numerous places in Scripture about not being afraid.

He always admonished those who might be feeling fearful to be strong and courageous. Since He had to repeat it a lot, I figure He is well aware that we are not one and done with our fears.

Over time I have had wonderful experiences of seeing beautiful sights and creating treasured memories by being strong and courageous in spite of my fear. Be it fear of heights, fear of failure, fear of man, fear of snakes.

The fear was there, but the Lord helped me to be strong and courageous. I would love to conquer some of fears 100%, but I think the fear prompts me to draw close, take deep breaths, reason out if my fear is legitimate or just something I struggle with and then hear in my heart the command…

Laura, be strong and courageous. I am the Lord, your God, and I am with you.

Always.

If you are afraid or anxious today, make sure it’s not a warning that you are in real danger, and then breathe in the word of God and move forward with faith and face your giant.

Blessings friends,

Laura <3

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