Fear loves to tell you that you can’t do anything – that you’re not good enough. It loves to linger by your side, so whenever you feel any ounce of courage, it makes its presence known. But, you know what? Being brave doesn’t mean you’re fearless. It means you have fear, you’ve just decided to step out and do the things that scare you anyway.
Giving up fear for bravery is so hard, especially when you have listened to its lies for so long. But, it’s time to let go of it.
I read that when you are in a constant state of stress, worry and/or fear, your body can’t heal. You end up sick. Your body is in a constant fight or flight response that it causes your body to tense and your organs to not work properly.
I don’t want that to happen to you or to me. I know that when I am sick, I am not the mom I need to be for my children. When I believe the lies Fear is telling me, I doubt my gifts that I was born with. I was given a set of gifts to use to help my children become who they are meant to be. With my particular struggles that I have experienced throughout my lifetime, I can help my children work through their struggles and fears.
The thing about struggles is struggles make you stronger. Struggles test you to discover a bravery you didn’t know you had. So, struggles need to happen to become who you need to be for you and for others. Sometimes it feels as though you are going through the struggles alone; but, you’re not.
I was at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) on Tuesday and we had a table topic of feeling alone and the fears we have as moms. Our table discovered we have similar fears. We discovered we weren’t alone. When you feel you’re alone, that is when condemnation, shame, and rejection start to form. That’s when fear starts to consume you and fill you with it’s lies that you’re not a good enough mother.
I love how Lysa TerKeurst in her book Univited says, “the voices of condemnation, shame, and rejection can come at you, but they don’t have to reside in you.” It’s so true, Mama. You don’t have to let those things take over. You can give it up.
Questions for Reflection
- When I let fear consume my life, what does my day look like?
- What are some positives that I can take away from the struggles I have experienced in life?
- What are some things I can read that will help me with being brave?
Bible Verses to Read
- Psalm 46:1-10
I love everything about what you’re doing, Lu.
I had never heard of MOPS and was introducing a few weeks back and LOVED it! The women were incredible 🙂 We talked all about the struggles we face daily and how much we grow from them. Its so important to take care of ourselves and each other. Raise each other up often and draw near to the Lord.
1. Fear = chaos in my life and I feel so unbalanced and overwhelmed.
2. I learn from my struggles and be better. Thank God for being with me through the storms.
3. THE WORD 🙂 and I love the mom tribe community!
Amy, I am so happy you decided to go to MOPS. It definitely helps me in the chaos. I can relate with you feeling unbalanced and overwhelmed. Thanking God daily for being with us is so helpful. Thank you for your openness about your fears.