STAFF TUESDAY

I remember having intense anxiety even as a child. Fear has been as constant as my own shadow, even as an adult. When I start to think I’m ‘cured,’ out jumps the familiar figure of fear. This last year I have struggled with fear to the point of panic; fear of terrible things happening to loved ones, fear of failure, fear disguised as uncertainty. Last week, I woke up out of a dead sleep and my first thought was, “a demogorgon is in my backyard.”

Growing up in church I was taught a lot about not being afraid; it seems like fear shouldn’t be something I struggle with. But, I do. I could tell you multiple verses about not fearing or about trusting God. Those are all good and all true. But what I want to tell you is; if you also struggle with fear push through to peace! Find a verse to memorize and use it as your prayer during those paralyzing moments. I like to picture myself worshipping in whatever scenario fear has presented me. Reach out to people; let them encourage and pray for you. I remember the relief I felt when someone told me I wasn’t crazy for struggling with fear. Pushing through the fear is walking in peace.