When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2
There comes a time when you just have to face your fears head-on...
For as long as I can remember I've been scared to learn how to swim. I've always felt I couldn't do it or I had this irrational fear of drowning. JP has wanted me to take lessons for a long time. I've always kinda put it off---no time, his work schedule, we're so busy with the kids, and the list goes on. The main reason being---I was scared! Scared of learning, scared of failing, scared of being embarrassed...
Well, everything just fell into place this summer. My kids have taken swim lessons for years at Maryville College. During our years, it's been my privilege to become friends with Tanya, the swim professor. She is one of the most encouraging people I've ever met! I've had four lessons so far and I'm doing things I thought I would NEVER do--like floating by myself, putting my entire face under the water, among many other things.
There are still moments where I have this emotional response and panic, but I'm learning more than just how to swim!
Learning to trust someone else...
Learning to let go of "my" comfort zone...
Learning to let go of blaming my past for my present hang-ups...
Learning to push myself past the fear...
Learning that I CAN do this...
This is really hard for me, but I know it's something that I HAVE to do. Not everything in life is going to come easy at first... "and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:4-5)
The Bible says a lot about fear and the word is almost always proceeded by DO NOT! God, the Creator knew we, as humans would need to hear this message a lot! I'm so thankful that He tells me over and over again that HE is with me and that I DO NOT have to fear! He has sent me an encouraging husband, an awesome coach and the will to keep going!
I may FEEL the emotion of fear/panic, but I will not let it keep me from doing what I NEED to do. He is with me!
Learning to trust someone else...
Learning to let go of "my" comfort zone...
Learning to let go of blaming my past for my present hang-ups...
Learning to push myself past the fear...
Learning that I CAN do this...
This is really hard for me, but I know it's something that I HAVE to do. Not everything in life is going to come easy at first... "and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:4-5)
The Bible says a lot about fear and the word is almost always proceeded by DO NOT! God, the Creator knew we, as humans would need to hear this message a lot! I'm so thankful that He tells me over and over again that HE is with me and that I DO NOT have to fear! He has sent me an encouraging husband, an awesome coach and the will to keep going!
I may FEEL the emotion of fear/panic, but I will not let it keep me from doing what I NEED to do. He is with me!
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
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deut. 31:6