Hey friend.
That fear that has followed you for far too long. Let’s take a good look at it and call it what it is.
Lean in.
Together, let’s take it apart. We’ll start with an old fear of mine.
Years ago I was a shy girl. Not just an introvert. But painfully unsure of myself.
I could have said that my fear was about people.
What they might say.
What they might do.
But when I took a good look at it, I was afraid that I’d open my mouth and. . . something dumb would come out.
Except I wasn’t dumb.
So it went deeper than that. Tied to words spoken over my heart when I was younger and, like a sponge, I had embraced those words as truth.
Jumping out of an airplane for me was realizing that I might not always know exactly what to say, but what I thought or had to say contributed to the conversation.
Jumping out of airplane was laughing at myself when I did say something that wasn’t brilliant, and then moving on, giving the moment the light attention it deserved.
Jumping out of airplane was listening to people, just to get to know them, and realizing that we are all a little messy at times.
When I look back at that insecure shy girl, I have to smile. I wish I could go back and wrap my arms around her and say, “Hey sis, just hang tight. God is growing you and healing you. It’s all going to work out.”
I’d also tell her that jumping out of an airplane means that we take a step right where we are.
Maybe your step of faith over fear seems small to others.
That’s okay.
It’s not about them at that moment. God will do a work in their heart in other areas. Right now, it’s about receiving from God exactly what you need.
In today’s Encouragement for Today devo, I shared the story of my friends who are overcoming fears. I’m so proud of how they are taking small steps of faith to lead to big change in who they are.
So, where do you begin?
- Name that fear. Maybe you’ve been pointing at everyone else. Take it deeper. What is the real battle going on inside of you? Don’t be afraid of this question. It’s where healing begins!
- Take one baby step forward. Like my friend who is deathly afraid of flying, just crack your heart open to the possibilities. (It’s okay to say you’re afraid while you’re doing it. Doing it afraid is actually courage in action.)
- Then take another step (this is the jumping part!) – Don’t stop there. Keep going, as God leads. It’s not about success. It’s not about whether it looks pretty or polished. It’s growing into who God already knows you are.
What does jumping out of airplane look like for you today?
Suzie
We just finished The Mended Heart study. But it’s all right here on the blog just for you. {{You can start here. }} Take your time and let God do a healing work in your heart.
Grab a friend or a group of friends and go through the study together. Just as I’ve been doing with groups all over the nation, I’d love to Skype in on one of your meetings!
If you are visiting this blog for the first time, you can read the first chapter of The Mended Heart absolutely free, just for you.
One week from Monday we’ll begin a new study. I hope you’ll join me right here!
My jump out of the airplane is meaning the end of my marriage. throughout this study i have prayed that i would heal from my broken places but apparently that means doing so without the one who i though wanted to take part in it, not add to my broken places. Please pray for strength and wisdom as i jump!
I have a desire to begin a strong women’s ministry at our church. We have sort of have on that organizes Wednesday night bible studies and Women of Faith trips. However, there is a need for so much more. I am turning 40 this year and God has laid on my heart to bridge a gap between young and young at heart!
Like, you, Suzie, I have a great team of girlfriends that meet together frequently and we are funny, witty, and fully of God’s love. Pray that we can follow God’s calling and bring the women of our church together and be role models for the younger generations to come.
Jumping out of the airplane for me is to become a confident and strong woman. I used to be that woman, however, I allowed life circumstances to alter my thinking. Another huge airplane jump for me would be quitting my job! No, I do not have a plan in mind! All I know is my heart is with serving in the ministry. I’m not exactly sure how and where.
Jumping out of the airplane today means getting out all my financial records, bills, etc. and writing it all down so I can make a plan to get out of debt and save for my future. I have worked so hard these past months, to move my children and myself out of an abusive marriage. But we left with nothing. So I charged some furniture and things on credit cards. Today I need to add everything up, and start to create a financial plan that will allow my children and I to live with a measure of security instead of fear. That’s why we left in the first place. To live safe and not in fear. I need to keep working, and create this safe home for us.
Sharon,Thank you so much we could not have asked for more. You captured the sweet feeling that I felt all day. Thank you so much!!Amy