FAITH > FEAR

What are you fearful of? No, I don't mean lions, and tigers, and bears. I'm talking about all the fictitious, made-up ideas in your head about why you can't pursue purpose and achieve your goals. I have had my fair share of moments that I've had to muster up the courage to 'perform'. I mean technically, this is dating back to prep (elementary) school. I remember playing the piano for school functions and performing at piano recitals for the holidays, with my heart in my mouth. What about when my manager asks me to do a presentation or host a unit-based event? Nine out of ten times, I'm a little horrified. Now, to give you some insight about me, I do get a little excited about planning things. Do you need to put a schedule together, get items ready for a bachelorette party, someone to make a packing list for a trip? I'm your gal! I get a rise out of planning/organizing. I remember being in college my senior year, and a college career counselor had me take an assessment I believe the Myers-Briggs test, to determine what careers I'd naturally be drawn to, based on my personality and character traits. I'm naturally introverted and I like helping others. I never liked being in the spotlight because it gives me anxiety.

I didn't realize how much I'd allowed my fears to hold me back. I mean in school, work, life, etc. I distinctly remember an adjunct professor pulling me aside after class to ask why I didn't speak up more. In all honesty, I didn't care to. It terrified me to think about public speaking, even if it was in a 10 pupil class. I remember her saying my writing and understanding of the coursework was impeccable, but she'd've never known unless she read my work. I was moved; honored really. I never understood why I feared the things I did, I just linked my fears, to my shy nature.

Over the years, however, I've realized how much fear can cause someone to be set back unintentionally. Just last night I was listening to another episode of the Redefining Wealth podcast, and what she said hit me like a ton of bricks.

"HOW ARE YOUR IRRATIONAL FEARS MAKING YOU AN IRRESPONSIBLE STEWARD?"

Patrice Cunningham Washington, Redefining Wealth

I'd already started writing this post, and girl when I tell you I had to rewind, pause, open my notes, and jot it down! Funnily, it's not even for your sake, but for my own 😅. What she said resonated heavily with me. All the times that I've kept silent and held my tongue because I was too scared, or feared amplifying my voice, could've been a defining moment for someone else. It's the same way in which you sit on the ideas you have in fear that others may judge or criticize you, not realizing that "an audience of one, is still an audience" Patrice Washington. Since I've started this blog, I've gotten some great feedback. Had I sat on my fingers thinking that I am not able, I don't have the clout or the time to dedicate to this blog, I would've never known how much others are benefiting from it.  

I was reading a Bible plan this morning titled Exit by Wande, and she spoke about fears and the hindrance it causes on one's life. You know I started highlighting right? The more I read the devotional, the louder this message was in my head YOUR INCREASE IN FEAR & DISBELIEF, COMES FROM LACK OF FAITH! You can't do both my love, you have to choose one. You either know that He got you, or you don't. Wande quoted Matthew 25: 14-28 NIV, as her Bible reference, The Story of the Parables of Gold. When I was growing up, I never really understood the depth of why God was mad when the man with one talent (one bag of gold) did nothing with it. Like okay, maybe he felt like it was buried treasure 🤷🏾‍♀️. Over time I understood why it was important that he duplicated what he had, and this morning a lightbulb went off. I highlighted verse 18, which states "But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money." It's significant because he the man represents us regular folk who are lazy and letting our talents go to waste. God gave this man, gold, with the opportunity to do with it what he pleased, and even though he got one piece of gold, I'm sure there were ways to flip it back then. The same way in which some of us have the abilities that exceed others' expectations but we conform to the norms because we're comfortable. God never gave you those talents, for you to sit on it sis. He gave it to you so you can go out and show the world what he gave you. Now you, yes you, maybe looking at the man another woman, with five pieces of gold numerous talents, and think that because you've only got one or none, that you are not valuable. You may be able to bless a multitude of people, but because you own the gift of comparison, you allow others to get the job done, even if you'd be more qualified. It makes perfect sense now why God was upset. My mans was lazy! He probably buried his gold and was lallygagging around the fields, with the sheep thinking life was made because he got one bag of gold. God didn't bless us with the gifts of writing, singing, speaking, coaching, designing etc. to have us Netflix and Chill. He needs you to move. Be obedient. It took me three tries to birth this baby. Third time's the charm I guess 💕. I heard a saying and I don't remember who said it, but they said, you're the only one born with your name, and birthdate, that can do the things you were born to do. There are so many bloggers out there, and I've been added to the list, HELLO! 💁🏾‍♀️

Believe me, when I say, your fear is hindering your journey to birth the dreams that you desperately yearn for. You have to choose; it would be wise to choose FAITH. Don't let the power of your words and thoughts overcome you.

OVERCOME FEAR.