I've always battled fear, anxiety and depression. I will replay a worrisome situation over and over in my head trying to come up with a worst case scenario as if in some way that will prepare me for the very worst thing that could possibly ever (or NEVER) happen to me. When I do this I tend to retreat inside myself behind those ridiculous walls I've been so good at building and try to protect myself from "the worst." Which we have to remember has NOT happened but I've just imagined it in my head.

As I was walking quietly alone the thought FEAR IS THE OPPOSITE OF FAITH ran through my head and I realized that I can continue to retreat to where I think I'm safe OR I can face my fears HEAD ON and do the thing that is scaring me. The slogan that we've all heard "do it afraid" finally makes sense to me. Fear can stop you from living a completely abundant life because it robs you of your security. Faith is complete security because as you begin to face your fears you are trusting that GOD is FOR YOU. He's watching over you. He WILL protect you. HE IS your safety net. The next time that fear tries to rob me of the abundant life God has for me I'm going to turn and face my fear head on and RUN towards my dreams and my future without allowing fear to hold me back. I can think of so many missed friendships, successes, victories I've missed all because of fear. I feel so sick thinking about that.

Summing it all up friends, I'd say you'll do best by FILLING YOUR MINDS and meditating on things True, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious- the BEST, NOT THE WORST; the BEAUTIFUL, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

So RUN after your dreams and that abundant life and don't let anything hold you back! I mean, what are you afraid of anyways?

You know who's got you in the palm of his hand.