Guest Post: Die to Self is Figurative-Right, Lord?

Recently, God has really been working on my heart with my fear of reaching out to others. It can be a scary thing to reach out to someone. It can stretch us out of our comfort zone and leave us wondering if we really can make a difference. But as my friend Jennifer found out, it can also be very rewarding.

Today I’m welcoming back Jennifer Slattery to share about a time when she was afraid, and how God worked through that experience. In this post, she’ll also be sharing more about her “Reach Out to Live Out” campaign-a project I am extremely excited about, and one I hope you’ll join with me in supporting.

Read on to find out more, and let’s welcome Jennifer!

Die to Self is Figurative-Right, Lord?

by Jennifer Slattery

I sat sandwiched between my husband and chattering daughter, forcing a smile while my insides catapulted. We were headed to El Salvador, traveling by plane, and I was ready to hurl. Passengers sauntered on, smiling as if they had no idea how many planes crashed in the past ten years. Okay, so neither did I, but I’d seen a news clip or two. Besides, percentages aside, it only took once to kill you.

They say flying gets easier the more you do it. Not true. The way I figure it, the more you fly, the higher the probability you’ll crash. It’s a statistics thing. And yes, all these thoughts raced through my head the entire flight. They reached a crescendo when darkness fell, a storm hit, and jagged lightning zipped through the night sky. At one point, the plane actually dropped. Trying to assure me, my husband said that was only because we were going through the mountains. I didn’t find his explanation helpful. Before we reached baggage claim, I told my husband I never wanted to fly again.

Sitting on the plane a week later, after spending time with sweet orphan girls, I started to think about how I might return. How could so much change in such a short time? God allowed twenty-eight giggling girls to grab hold of my heart.

It’s funny how things changed once I turned my eyes off myself and started to let God love others through me. My fears diminished and my excitement grew.

Serving has a way of doing that—of forcing one out of self-imposed misery and inviting one to be part of something bigger than one’s sel. More than that, it allows one to rise above the here and now to catch a glimpse of eternity. I’ve seen this happen again and again. When people begin to join God’s love-circle, sadness turns to joy, hopelessness turns to purpose, and isolation gives way to community. There’s no greater adventure this side of heaven, and in my opinion, there’s no better way to fully experience the love of Christ.

Jesus said He came that we may have life, and have it to the full, only first we have to surrender. But oh, what a glorious gift we get in return!

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it” Luke 9:24 (NIV).

For me, my moment of fear, once placed in God’s hands, resulted in a beautiful blessing that drastically changed the way I view the world. It enabled me to experienced God’s love on a deeper level and stirred within a passion for orphans.

What about you? I’d love to hear about a time when God pushed you to reach out, even though it was hard. Who knows, your story may encourage others to do the same! I’ve launched a “Reach Out to Live Out” campaign to encourage others to join the great adventure. My prayer is when people read about some of the big or small ways other believers are reaching out, they’ll be encouraged to do the same. Want to join me? Send your “Reach Out” story, photo, or video to jenniferaslattery(at)gmail(dot)com, and I’ll post it on my blog. You might even win something! Visit http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/reach-out-donors/  to find out more.   

***

Jennifer Slattery lives in the Midwest with her husband and daughter. She writes for Christ to the World Ministries, the ACFW Journal, Internet Café Devotions, and Jewels of Encouragement. You can connect with her online at her devotional blog at

http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com or via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte

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Guest Post: From Fear to Faith

Today I am thrilled to welcome Jennifer Slattery as today’s guest writer. Jennifer and I first met at last year’s Writing for the Soul Conference, and since then I’ve come to know her as one of the kindest, most caring, and compassionate people I’ve ever met. She is an excellent writer, and her blog is one of my favorites to read. Jennifer has also started something called the “Reach Out to Live Out Campaign”- a campaign that focuses on sharing true stories to make acts of love contagious. To share your story and be entered to win a free gift basket, you can find more information here: http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/reach-out-donors/.

But now, please join me in welcoming Jennifer!

From Fear to Faith

by Jennifer Slattery

If I were to ask a group of believers for their favorite Bible stories, I suspect a few would rise to the top: David and Goliath, Daniel and the Lion’s Den … Abraham and Isaac. We love to hear stories of courageous men and women following God with unhindered obedience. If only we had their courage and unwavering faith!

And yet, I can’t help but wonder what happened in the “back story.” Were these heroes of old always courageous, or was their courage learned through experience?

We like to think these Bible heroes are somehow more than human, but the truth is, they likely struggled with the same emotions as you and I: fear, sadness, anger, discontentment. What made them great was not their super-human spirituality, but instead, a superior God who continued to mold, guide, strengthen and transform their hearts.

I love the story of Abraham because it demonstrates a steady progression from fear to faith. I’m tempted to start and end on Mount Moriah, where God tested Abraham’s faith and Abraham came forth as gold, but if I skip over his times of struggle, I miss out on crucial growth steps.

In Genesis chapter 12, God promised to bless Abraham (called Abram). God repeats the blessing once Abraham arrives in Canaan, but with more details.

Abraham’s offspring will inherit the land. Only there’s a problem–Abraham and Sarah don’t have any children. This means, God’s going to have to grant them children in order to make good on His promise.

And yet, a few verses later, once Abraham gets to Egypt, he fears for his life. Faith would say, “God said He would bless me. God promised I would have offspring. Dead men don’t have children, therefore, God will protect Sarah and I in this foreign land.”

Abraham didn’t say that. Fear took hold instead, and motivated him to take matters into his own hands. Perhaps he thought God needed a little help. And so, Abraham came up with a plan.

Before entering Egypt, Abraham told Sarah, “I know what a beautiful woman you are.　

¹² When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live.　¹³

Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” (Genesis 12:11-12)

And what happens when we allow fear to control our actions and take matters into our own hands? We make a mess! Which is exactly what happened here. Because of Abraham’s sin and lack of faith, countless Egyptians suffered.

17But the LORD inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai. (Genesis 12:17)

Abraham takes Sarah, and a large amount of riches from Egypt, and moves on. God is gracious, and in Genesis 15, He repeats the blessing. This time He’s even more specific, telling Abraham his child will be his own flesh and blood.

6Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.(Genesis 15:1-6)

So now, God has spoken to Abraham on three separate occasions, promising to bless him, protect him, and give him a son. And Abraham believes God … at least, during the miraculous moment when God speaks. But notice what happens in the very next chapter:

1Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar;　2 so she said to Abram, “The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”

Abram agreed to what Sarai said.　(Genesis 16:1-2)

God promised Abraham a son. Abraham’s married to Sarah. Sarah’s not having children, so Abraham decides he needs to help God out … again. He takes Hagar, Sarah’s handmaden, and sleeps with her. The result? Another mess. Tension fills the home, to the point that Abraham sends his own son and Hagar away.

 By the time we join Abraham on Mount Moriah, he and God have quite a history, don’t they? Time and time again, God’s promised to bless Abraham, yet when difficulties arise, fear takes hold and Abraham takes matters into his own hands. Each time, his actions create chaos and pain. I’m thinking by the time God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, he’s finally learned that God’s ways are indeed better.

So basically, Abraham’s faith grew through experience, by watching God show up again and again, by hearing God’s promises again and again. With each failure, Abraham learned God’s grace wasn’t dependent on Him.

The same is true for us. I believe our faith starts once we get to the end of ourselves, when we realize that we are incapable of going it alone. When we’re tired of creating messes.

It is hard to have unshakable faith straight out of the gate, but as we continue to walk with God, He shows us day after day and year after year that He is good, and strong, and wise. Then, when new difficulties arise, we can remember God’s faithfulness and derive courage from our past experiences.

Are you struggling with fear today? God wants to replace your fear with unshakable faith. Spend a moment in His presence, and remember times He’s proven Himself faithful in the past.

————

Jennifer Slattery lives in the Midwest with her husband of 16 years and their 14-year-old daughter. She writes for Christ to the World Ministries, Internet Café Devotions, Jewels of Encouragement, the Christian Pulse, and maintains a devotional blog at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com. 

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And the Winner is…

Thanks to everyone who entered to win Donna Pyle’s Bible Study and DVD set “Your Strong Suit,” and a huge thank you to Donna for her generosity and for offering to give a free set away here on The Fear List! Thank you so much for visiting this week.

Without further ado, the results are in.

Congratulations to…

Nichole Parks! 

Nichole, you must be on a lucky streak! You’ll be receiving your free Bible study and DVD set in the mail soon.

For those of you who lucked out this time around, you can also purchase Donna’s study here: http://www.artesianministries.org/store

Thanks again to everyone who visited this week, and I’ll see ya on Monday!

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Guest Interview and Giveaway

Today I am proud to feature the lovely Donna Pyle. Donna was my roommate at last year’s Writing for the Soul Conference, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone more fun or friendly.

A while back, I talked about God’s armor as described in Ephesians 6. If you missed it, you can read it here: http://wp.me/p132LV-nN. It just so happens Donna wrote a Bible study on the very same thing, so I thought it would be awesome to have her on to go even deeper on the topic. Lucky for me, she agreed!

Donna is the founder of Artesian Ministries and travels to teach her study internationally. You can find her at

www.artesianministries.org or her blog at www.hydratedliving.com. Comment to have a chance to win a free copy of the 8-lesson DVD and accompanying Study Guide book. We’ll draw a name on Thursday, March 22, and the winner will be announced on Friday, March 23!

She’s written and recorded an 8-lesson DVD-based Bible study based on God’s armor that released in November 2011. The study has been very well received and many are already asking for her next study. Here’s a little snippet about the study:

It seems odd that Christianity and warfare are intertwined. Isn’t Christianity about love and peace?

“Yes, but dark spiritual forces launch continuous attacks against us, our loved ones, and every area of our life. Satan’s goal is our complete and utter destruction. Suiting up in God’s armor provides our only hope of survival. God did not provide our armor so we could admire it hanging in our closet. Walking through our day without His armor means walking onto the spiritual battlefield surrounded by snipers we cannot see nor triumph over.” Donna digs verse-by-verse through Ephesians 6:10-18 to reveal the battle, our armor, His protection, and our place in God’s army.

Donna says: “Spiritual warfare is a tough issue for some to face. I have seen some people choose to ignore the raging spiritual warfare because of fear. They abdicate their post on the battlefield because the reality that a powerful, unseen enemy actively labors to destroy them is simply too frightening to bear. Also, we are an exhausted generation. Technology, over-crowded schedules, and over-committed lives allow no margins. Dwelling too long on the topic of spiritual warfare seems overwhelming in light of other obligations, so they just remove it from the list. One less thing to ‘deal’ with, so to speak.”

“God prompted me to write this study because I needed to understand the level of protection that He provides to us. I had heard of ‘suiting up’ and ‘standing firm’, but until I really dug deep into this study, I only vague understood what that meant. This study has changed my faith walk on every level. We are so loved and uber protected by God Almighty Himself!”

Here’s a video preview of the study:

“Lives have been transformed by this study. It has been amazing to hear the personal stories of many, previously shackled by fear, step out in faith in new areas of their personal, relational, and ministry-related journeys. Knowing that God’s armor provides impenetrable protection has fostered a renewed trust and confidence that nothing the enemy attempts will take them out. In hope and His strength, they have relocated and work to rebuild their lives as they help their neighbors do likewise. Let His praises ring!”

Remember, leave a comment here by Thursday, March 22, to have a chance to win the 8-lesson DVD study and study guide.

———-

An engaging speaker, author, Bible teacher and worship leader, Donna has a passion for studying and teaching God’s Word. She has authored 18 Bible studies, numerous devotions, and magazine articles, and serves as a Staff Writer for Blessed Life Magazine.

Donna’s latest full length Bible study on comfort (through Concordia Publishing House) releases in July 2012. She’s currently working on her first non-fiction book with her literary agent, Rachelle Gardner. Donna fuels her creativity with Chick-Fil-A® and Starbucks®, and enjoys writing, blogging about faith-based issues, traveling, reading, singing, and torturing her cats with feather toys.

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Guest Post: So Do Not Fear

Hey everyone! Today’s guest blogger goes by the name of Jennifer Hallmark. A mutual friend introduced us through Facebook, and I found a post of hers on fear that I absolutely loved. I loved the image she used, and asked for her permission to share it here. You can find the original post at: http://www.jewelsofencouragement.com/2012/02/so-do-not-fear.html. Without further ado, please join me in welcoming Jennifer! I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

So Do Not Fear

by Jennifer Hallmark

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Have you ever had a day when life dumped everything on you and left you floundering? That day erupted on a Saturday in the spring. A refreshing time of devotion spent with God opened my morning. I didn’t have to work, so I planned a restful day to shop and visit my grandmother. Ten minutes later, life interrupted my devotional reading.

I pressed on, but a car breakdown and my grandmother injured in a fall before I arrived were only a taste of the many unpleasant events of that day. Any one event would upset me, but all in one day? The next day my worry and stress continued as I drove toward my house from work. As I turned in my driveway, I stared at the roof. Twenty or thirty birds perched along the eves and alcoves.

“God, that’s how I feel my life, is. Trouble keeps landing on me like birds, one after the other. I’m overwhelmed.”

My spirit stirred. Even if your roof was covered in its entirety with birds, so many you couldn’t see one square inch of it, it wouldn’t fall. The house has a strong foundation and it’s well built.

At that moment, peace enveloped me and I knew God had spoken to my heart. He had built a strong foundation in my life. I wouldn’t fall, for He also upheld me with His righteous right hand. The car had been repaired and my grandmother recovered from her fall. God’s hand held me tight and will continue, no matter what life brings.

Father God, when life overwhelms me, help me to see Your hand upholding me through it all.

———————–

Jennifer Hallmark is an author and women’s ministry consultant. She has a website, http://www.jenniferhallmark.com and blog, jenlhall63.blogspot.com. Her first novel, Journey of Grace: A New Beginning is currently searching for a good home. Jennifer resides with husband Danny in Alabama and loves her family, dog Max and coffee shops, in no particular order. You can find her online at www.JenniferHallmark.com and jenlhall63.blogspot.com.

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Guest Post: God is on Our Side

Today The Fear List is thrilled to welcome Grace Fox: author of Moving From Fear to Freedom. Grace first approached me about guest posting, and once I learned that she also wrote on the topic of fear, I couldn’t believe my luck! I’ve been blessed in numerous ways already by reading the few things she’s sent me. Grace has many insights and tips when it comes to fear, so make sure to check out her many resources at www.gracefox.com. To learn more about her or her book, check out her interview here: http://wp.me/p132LV-nB

And now, I give you Grace!

God is on Our Side

By Grace Fox

About a month ago, I listened to two different radio interviews. Both hosts wanted to discuss fear. How timely, considering that it was the tenth anniversary of 9/11 and media had splashed the word fear across radio and TV for several days beforehand.

I’ve personally felt fear sneak up on me several times in the last couple of weeks. Not in relation to 9/11, but in other ways. First, a cousin’s 2-year-old granddaughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery. Her family still awaits the pathology report.

Second, the 26-year-old daughter of a local Romanian pastor/friend was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

Third, a 3-year-old boy in BC was abducted from his home while he slept. Having friends who live in that community, and being a grandma with grandchildren the same age, my heart raced each time I thought about the little tyke and what he might be experiencing. (Thankfully he was returned unharmed, although his kidnapper remains at large).

My list contained a couple other situations that I’m not free to discuss, but they, too, rattled my nerves and threatened to topple me into a dark pit. In each case, the moment I felt fear encroach, I turned my thoughts to prayer for the well-being of the precious people involved.

I also trained my mind to praise God for who He is—a God who is sovereign, faithful, wise, able to provide, and filled with unfailing love. That was no easy feat; it took great effort to succeed when my emotions tugged me the opposite direction. But guess what happened when I made the deliberate effort to praise? My fears calmed. Whadaya know? They did exactly what Psalm 56:9 says: “My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.”

I’d be amiss if I failed to mention the latter half of that verse, for it offers huge encouragement in the face of fearful circumstances. It says, “This I know: God is on my side!” These five little words carry the power to transform our minds and perspective. Imagine…God is on our side. That truth means we can always, always rise above whatever we face.

What are you facing today? If fear or uncertainty are stalking you, call these words to mind and reflect on their power: God is on my side. See the difference they make?

—————–

Grace Fox lives in Abbotsford, BC. She’s the author of four books, a DVD-based Bible study, and hundreds of articles published in magazines including Focus on the Family and Power for Living. She’s also a popular speaker at international women’s events and the national co-director of International Messengers Canada, a mission agency that promotes creative short-term and career service opportunities in Eastern Europe.

www.facebook.com/gracefox.author

www.gracefox.com

　

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Interview With Author Grace Fox

Today I am extremely excited to feature an interview with author and speaker Grace Fox! Author of Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation, I jumped at the chance to have Grace on as a guest writer. In her interview you’ll learn more about her book, as well as practical ways you can overcome fear in your own life. You won’t want to miss the many insights she has, so stop by her website as well at www.gracefox.com.

Please check back next Monday for a special guest post from Grace, and keep a lookout for my review of Moving from Fear to Freedom.

And now, here’s Grace!

Moving from Fear to Freedom:

A Woman-to-Woman Conversation

Has fear kept you awake at night? Has it hindered you from saying yes to a new opportunity? Has it caused you to make impulsive choices you later regretted? If so, you’re not alone!

Fear is a big deal for many women. If left unchecked, it can prevent us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. So, what’s the answer? How can we move beyond fear into freedom?

Grace Fox, author of four books including Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation, shares the answers in her newly released DVD and study guide titled Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman-to-Woman Conversation.

Q: Fear seems to be an ever-present theme throughout the Bible. Describe the difference between healthy and unhealthy fear.

A: Healthy fear steers us toward wise decisions and actions. It promotes self-preservation. For example, we look both ways before crossing the street for fear of getting hit by a car. In contrast, unhealthy fear hinders our ability to fully embrace life. It causes sleeplessness, steals our peace, and can literally make us sick.

Q: How does destructive fear stunt our emotional or spiritual growth?

A: Destructive fear—the fear of rejection, for instance—might keep us from admitting to someone that we’ve been physically or sexually abused. Without receiving the help we need to deal with those issues, we never experience freedom. Our struggles might seriously hamper our ability to truly love and receive love in a marital relationship.This is just one example among many of how our emotional growth is affected.

Spiritually, fear can cause us to say no to God-given dreams or assignments because we’re afraid of personal inadequacy or financial insecurity. If we never step out in faith, then we never experience God’s ability to equip and provide in amazing ways. Spiritual growth comes when we say yes to God and “do it afraid.”

Q: Your small group resource contains seven sessions. The first is an overview of fear. The next six look at six key areas where women face their greatest fears. What are these? And what was the top fear women expressed?

A: The top fear expressed was the fear for our family’s well-being. I can relate to that! The other five sessions discuss the following specific fears:

fear of personal inadequacy

fear of rejection

fear of facing the ghosts of our past

fear of the storms of life

fear of an unknown future

Q: You faced a frightening situation with your newborn daughter. Tell us about that. How did you overcome your fear for her well-being?

A: My husband and I lived in Nepal for nearly three years in the 80s. Our second child was born there with hydrocephalus (too much water on the brain). She needed immediate surgery to relieve pressure from her brain, but that surgery was unavailable in Nepal. That meant an immediate return to North America. Trouble was, the international airlines refused to issue me a ticket because I’d had a Caesarean delivery and was now considered a medical high risk. As a result, my husband took our baby back to North America when she was three days old. I remained in Kathmandu not knowing whether she’d be alive when I returned six days later.

How did I deal with my fear for her well-being? I cried out to God for help. He answered with the lyrics of the hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Those lyrics didn’t promise that everything would be fine, but they reminded me of God’s promise to be faithful no matter what. I let those lyrics wash through my mind, and as they did, they calmed my fears. That’s the shortened version of the story!

Q: You suggest we need to place our focus on God and not on fear. In practical terms, how do we do this?

A: Several strategies that I’ve found helpful…

Write Scripture promises on 3×5 cards and post them where we see them often. Readers can visit my website for a free downloadable of Scriptures about overcoming fear.

www.gracefox.com

Memorize Scripture promises and meditate on them throughout the day and as we fall asleep at night. We are transformed as our mind is renewed.

Fill our homes with praise and worship music.

Spend time in God’s word on a regular basis, not just when we’re in a panic. The more we do so, the more familiar we become with His promises and the better prepared we are to face our fear-filled circumstances when they come.

Talk to the Lord throughout the day. Invite Him into the mundane. Practice His presence. The more we get to know Him, the more we’re able to trust Him in the face of fear.

Q: Most of us feel inadequate at times. You suggest we cannot use our inadequacies as an excuse for not participating with God’s purposes. How do we get past this?

A: We get past our fear of inadequacy by admitting we have it! Then we need to retrain our thinking to focus on God’s adequacies rather than our inadequacies.

Tell God how we feel. “Help! I don’t think I can do such-and-such!”

Tell a trusted friend and ask her to pray for us.

Move forward. Do it afraid and expect God to equip you.

Q: Where can I buy this study?

A:

Christian bookstores, www.amazon.com, www.christianbooks.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.winepressbooks.com, and my website: http://www.gracefox.com/books/moving-from-fear-to-freedom-a-woman-to-woman-conversation-guide/I offer group and ministry discounts.

———

Grace Fox lives in Abbotsford, BC. She’s the author of four books, a DVD-based Bible study, and hundreds of articles published in magazines including Focus on the Family and Power for Living. She’s also a popular speaker at international women’s events and the national co-director of International Messengers Canada, a mission agency that promotes creative short-term and career service opportunities in Eastern Europe.

www.facebook.com/gracefox.author

www.gracefox.com

　

　

　

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Guest Post: H20 Is a No-Go

I am so excited to introduce you all to today’s guest writer, because not only is she one of my best friends, but she is also an extremely talented writer. Remember this name, because you’ll see it again: Nichole Parks.

Nichole and I first met at the Writing for the Soul Conference, and she never ceases to amaze me with her unique writing voice, beautiful heart, and creativity. I just love this girl, and I know you will too, so please make her welcome by introducing yourselves! To learn more about her, visit www.ireviewchristianbooks.blogspot.com

Without further ado, Nichole brings us The Fear List’s first ever fiction-inspired guest post! I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

H20 Is a No-Go

By Nichole Parks

Freezing water splashes my bare legs at my place poolside as my fellow swim mate embraces the pool. Dusk is tucking the sun to bed in the horizon. Goosebumps dot my arms and legs. Pulled back with my goggle band, my wet hair is drying in ringlets thanks to the bitter wind. I bite the corner of my towel and taste blood from my chapped lips. Evening practice for swim team has a way of making me feel like it’s the end of my life.

“Jump in,” says Lucy, my best friend. She splashes at my feet from where I stand on the grid. “It’s not even cold.”

 “Is too.” I pull the towel tighter around my body.

Antarctica wouldn’t be chilly to Luce. I swear she must be cold-blooded. I look across the blue and white pool lane dividers for my older brother, Mike. He shivers slightly as he clamps a hand on the wall after finishing a lap.

My gaze drops to the floor of the community pool. To the lane lines – which most see as stretched Roman numerals. There is nothing numeral about them to me. They are hammerhead sharks.

I’m DB Baker and I have a selachophobia (fear of sharks).

Luce rolls her eyes and kicks off the wall to start a lap – The Little Mermaid’s biggest fan. She’s wished long and hard for a red hair and a tail, while I dart from one edge of the pool to the other for survival’s sake because you never know when some baby shark will swim out of the hose and into the pool.

One thing about this fear: it makes you a ribbon winner at swim meets. I could propel off that wall and to the side faster than a speed boat. It was never about the prize as much as it was getting out of the water.

Let me reiterate. I have a fear of sharks. And as fears go, it is completely irrational. I am land locked in the Ozarks.

Selachophobia side effects may include:

1. Useless night lights don’t keep the shark-mares from savaging your room.
2. Jaw’s theme music may raise blood pressure.
3. You will know with certainty that Jonah’s “big fish” was a shark and not a whale. (If you think about it technically, a shark is a fish, and a whale is a mammal.)
4. Mysteries are simple. Whodunit? That’s easy. The shark. Or the butler.
5. Finding Nemo should be rated R. Not G, or PG because let’s face it when Mom says, “Sharks can’t come out movie scenes,” her parental guidance doesn’t help a bit.
6. You avoid the shark tunnel aquarium at Sea World. It is torture.
7. There is a strong urge to scribble more than just a mustache on shark pictures in your biology book. And you listen to the urge.

What is with their names? Seriously. It’s like a horror film writer was asked to document them instead of Discovery channel. Tiger shark. Bull shark. Thrasher shark. Whale shark. Then the oh-so-unforgettable man-eating shark.

My life verse is Joshua 1:9 – “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NLT)

Do I still get scared? You betcha, I do.

Does God’s peace still my pounding heart? Oh, yeah. Every time.

Even knowing God is with me wherever I go and descending coconuts kill more people than sharks, will I go surfing after what happened to Bethany Hamilton? Uh… Let me think about it. No!

Am I first in line for the shark cages? Ha. I’m the little one running away, screaming in the other direction.

But I do dive into pools, bathe – despite our shifty looking spouts- and wade into the tides at beaches. And while writing this post, I looked at many a terrorizing photo of Jaws; though I flinched, I did look my fear in the eye.

How can you laugh at your fear? And what steps do you take to overcome it?

——————

Nichole Parks is a Squire graduate of the Jerry B. Jenkins’ Christian Writers Guild and continues to be mentored as an Apprentice. She completed the NaNoWriMo challenge last November. In her spare time, Nichole reviews books for Multnomah Waterbrook and Baker Books Publishing, hones her manuscript, and sings along with the country radio station.

 

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Guest Post: Afraid of the Dark

I am very excited to have Michael Perkins as a guest writer today! Michael’s blogs was one of the first I found on WordPress, and I have enjoyed reading his posts ever since. He has a refreshingly unique style, and I never leave his blog without feeling I have gained something of value-whether that be encouragement, something to think about, or a new perspective. You can check out that blog at www.theperkinsblog.net.

And now, please join me in welcoming Mr. Perkins!

Afraid of the Dark

by Michael Perkins

I’m 29 and I’m afraid of the dark.

I know that isn’t something that a grown man should be afraid of, but I can’t help it.

It’s so bad that I won’t take the trash out after dark.  And if by chance I have to go out in the dark, I take a flashlight with me.

 Being able to see my next step makes me feel safe.

 The dark is the great unknown.

 Often times we come to points in our lives where we have to step out in faith into the unknown.  But we hesitate because we cannot see what is out there.  We don’t know what’s next.

 But as long as we carry a Flashlight we will see the next step.  We may not see the whole journey, but we’ll see the next step.  Which is good enough for me.

The next time you are going into the unknown take your Flashlight.

 Are you afraid of the dark?

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Michael is a husband, dad, pastor, and blogger. (In that order.) Michael loves to show how brilliantly God moves in our everyday lives. Check him out at www.theperkinsblog.net.

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Guest Post: Fear of Trusting God

Today I am pleased to present a guest writer with a heart of gold. Although Xochi and I have never officially met, we became friends through Facebook and I have been impressed with this woman ever since. Friendly and encouraging, don’t miss out on making Xochi’s acquaintance. Xochi is currently conducting an amazing online women’s Bible study, so contact me for more info or run by Xochi’s website to check it out: www.xedixon.com.  Let’s show her some love in the comments!

Fear of Trusting God

by Xochi Dixon

(Read Genesis 18:16-33; 19:1-26)

 When Abraham heard that God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, he immediately interceded. In mercy, the Lord allowed two angels to rescue Abraham’s nephew, Lot, and his family, with only one condition. There would be no looking back.

Lot’s family was following a trustworthy leader who promised they would be safe if they obeyed his instructions. But just as they were reaching the safety zone, Lot’s wife turned around and was transformed into a lifeless pillar of salt.

Although scripture doesn’t specify why Lot’s wife disobeyed, I can relate to the habit of looking back on things that should be left behind. For me, that bad habit is based on the fear of letting go and moving on.

When I am afraid to let go and move on, I try to control circumstances, wanting to avoid more pain, failure, or loss. When God is trying to deliver me, this fear prevents me from following Him in obedience and faith while moving forward. What I’ve come to realize, though, is that all fear translates to simply not trusting God.

Over the years, I’ve learned three things that help me overcome this paralyzing fear.

Get to know God intimately. The Lord reveals Himself through the way He works in and through the lives of His people in the Bible. Knowing His whole story, Genesis through Revelation, helps me remember who He is and what He’s capable of.

Be honest about my struggles. The power of fear is diminished when I come clean with God, showing that I trust Him to help me through all my circumstances.

Ask God to lead the way and help me trust as I follow Him one step at a time. When I focus on God’s sovereignty and love, I can learn to trust His character as I follow Him instead of being afraid of what lies around the corner.

Like Lot’s wife, I can become a pillar of salt, useless and bitter, if I allow my fears to keep me clinging to what needs to be left far behind. By seeking God daily in His Word and communicating with Him through prayer, I will be able to stop looking back on where I missed the mark and trust He is with me as He leads me forward.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

 

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Xochi E. Dixon is an author, speaker and Bible Teacher who loves Jesus and digging into God’s Word. She is based in Northern California and is devoted to serving the Lord by encouraging women, teens and fellow writers through Life Psalms Ministries at www.xedixon.com.

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