living loved

Ok. Seriously – let’s shout this a little louder for the women in the back – FEAR. IS. A. LIAR. I hate fear. I hate everything fear produces: anxiety, guilt, shame, comparison, etc. Fear sucks. Fear kept me paralyzed for a long time. Fear has kept me from doing something God gifted me with – writing. Even publishing my first book came with a fury of emotions – and most of the positive ones were sabotaged by fear. I was afraid of failing. I was afraid of what people would say and think. I was afraid to share my words because words are most always judged too harshly and without restraint or grace.

Fear can smother the life right out of you and cover the light within. I have allowed fear to even sabotage my most beautiful relationships with other women because I was afraid I wasn’t smart enough, too loud, not funny enough, too open and honest or just didn’t fit in. Even as I created a post to share my first published book, my first thought was more concerned about what others would think or say or not say at all.

Ladies, that is just NOT how we should think, act, or feel. Fear has this way of creeping in through the smallest of crevices (even with our armor on) and wreaking havoc like none other. Bottom line: It doesn’t matter what people think. Only what God knows. Listen to that – what does God know about you?

Here’s what His word says: Don’t worry about anything…pray (Philippians)! You are fearfully and wonderfully made…(Psalms)! We are precious and honored in His sight (Isaiah)! Nothing can separate us from His love…(Romans). And the list goes on.

Daughter, rise up and wise up away from the fear that silences your beauty.

XOXO, Loni