My friend & biz partner, Stephanie Bryant
Stephanie Bryant and I recently launched Pin-terpretation, a little ebook about how you can use your Pinterest Boards to find out more about who you are. We’ve launched other things–(in)courage, our company, Mother Letters. And we always seems to have the same feeling…
Fear.
Yep, in case my stories about wandering into men’s room at conferences, hyperventilating in the picture frame aisle, and general anxiety about accessories have not convinced you…things outside my comfort zone aren’t easy for me.
In fact, a lot of times they’re downright scary.
I talk to a lot of women who share their God-sized dreams with me and then add, “But I’m really afraid to do it.”
And I whisper right back, “That’s a good sign. The closer you get to what God has called you to do, the more fear you’re probably going to feel.”
See, there’s a myth that says we’re not supposed to be afraid. And we have to stop being scared silly before we do something. But it’s just not true.
Yes, God tells people over and over again not to be afraid. But I looked up all those passages and here’s the real scoop: He almost always says it when the person is already afraid. Like a Daddy leaning over and telling his kiddo, “Don’t be afraid. It’s going to be okay.”
When we experience a threat, we feel fear. That’s the way we’re made. And whenever you do something new or pursue a dream, you’re putting a lot on the line (which means it’s translated by your brain as a threat). We’re not to live in fear. But I just don’t see any way of being human and not experiencing it.
So what do you do with fear?
Keep going anyway.
Stop trying to go around it, get over it or make yourself pretend it doesn’t exist. Just say, “Well, hello there, fear. Thank you for being like the guard dog in my brain and pointing out what you think is a threat. But that’s actually a squirrel and not a burglar. And even if it is a burglar, God’s got my back. Sit. Stay. Roll over.”
Then you launch the e-book.
Start the company.
Make the phone call.
Confront the issue.
Go to the conference.
Try the new recipe.
Talk to that stranger.
You’ll make it, I promise. And what’s even more important, you’ll learn and grow.
When fear is howling like a crazy hound in my head, I keep saying to myself, “It’s just an experiment. If it works, I’ll do it again. If it doesn’t, I’ll try something else.” Until we get to heaven everything is an experiment. There are no sure things. And God doesn’t demand we get it right the first time. Or the tenth. He just asks that we step out in obedience as best we know how–fear and all.
And when we take that step, He’s with us. No matter what.
That’s true success.
Not the results but simply being willing to take the risk (especially when you’re scared silly).
So what’s your next step? Be brave and put it out there, friend!
p.s. All of you Pinterest fans, did you celebrate #PinterestDay on Monday? If not, you still can with this fun Pin-terpretation e-book for only $.99. It will help you understand more about who you are and how you share that with the world! {Here’s what others are saying about it.} You can also write a post on your blog about one thing you’ve learned about yourself through Pinterest and link it up on Squee! to enter our giveaway {$200 value}.
What a timely encouragement for me as I am taking steps to live out my God-sized dream! I made a really tough decision this week; one I’ve wrestled with for months, involving a huge decrease in pay and a cutting back of my full-time career hours. But God met me there, has blessed, and has affirmed the decision as He continues to open doors. Love this crazy life, my crazy God-sized dream, and His crazy love for me! Thank you for being such an encourager! Teske
So proud of you and all the brave steps you’re taking, Teskse!
Hi,I like how you talk to fear like a guard dog. =)
I’ve been writing a short ebook and I’ve been making it sort of straightforward and semi-light. It’s my firsst book. But some of my advisors, well, my only two have challenged me to bring in some more complicated emotions..that means I rewrite the first two chapters but that’s not the issue. I,ll have to really focus and plan and imagine. It’s going to be a challenge. The guard dog is being a little noisy but I feel like my mentors are right” so here goes…..
Cheering you on as you write, Donna!
Timely indeed! I feel like you’re a cheerleader in my life and I am so grateful. Before I took a big (fear-filled) step yesterday God said, “The only thing holding you back is fear, Shandra. Don’t be afraid.” (tears trickling now) And so opening your page this morning feels like a warm hug from God reiterating His loving encouragement through another one of His beautiful daughters. Thank you sister.
So glad you could get a hug from my words. I’d give you one in person if I were there!
Thank you for this wonderful post. Hubby and I are embarking on a scary journey here in a few days-not knowing the outcome and I’ve felt silly being fearful. But, we are clinging to God to see us through it because it is taking a leap of faith to do what we are doing.
Praying for you and your hubby right now as you take this leap of faith!
Wow! God keeps using devotionals, readings, scriptures, sites just like yours today………… I have been asked to lead a small group and I have been so afraid and have thought of so many obstacles to doing it. But……………I keep getting nudged! Please pray for me that I will follow Him completely! I don’t want to disobey or disappoint my Lord! Blessings to you, Holly!
I’m sure you will be a blessing to your group!
Thanks Holley, another timely encouragement from God through you! I’ve been a stay at home mom for the last 10 years or so and my husband wants me to go back to work. We could really use the money now that our oldest will be in college in a few weeks. I’m scared I’m not good enough for all of these jobs that are posted. I feel like God’s telling me to go for it- to work through the fear of applying, interviewing, and most of all getting the job. So I just wanted to say thank you for being so candid and sharing your fears, mistakes, hopes, joys, burdens with all of your sisters in Christ. Many blessings I will pray for you!
Thanks, Amy! You have a lot to offer. Whoever gets you as an employee is in for a treat.
“Be brave and put it out there, friend!”
Thanks for this word of encouragement. I have a blog that I started earlier in the summer but have yet to publish because of my fear of the unknown.
Hit publish! We need your voice.
I’ve had this dream of leading worship outside at city hall; this year our city is having a citywide worship service at city hall and one worship leader said I should submit one if my songs ; that it seems like a food fit. I’ve taken time from being a part of my church worship team or doing much active this summer to just be in relationship with Christ ; find about what his heart is for me; and work on some songs. I feel hesitant to put myself out there based on perceptions or just timing; but part of me thinks this could be a God timing, meeting my dreams while using me while having fun too. I’m open to just seeing what happens. Fear is overrated and who cares what people think? Well that’s my new perspective. If God is for me, for us who can be against me; us?
Love that you are making music for him, Angie.
I’m just scared silly of my oldest starting Middle School next week!! And I feel silly for being so scared! I keep telling myself that God is in control and everything will be fine! Thank you for great advice- it came at the perfect time!!
Oh my goodness. Just the words “middle school” send shivers down my spine. Ha! Your oldest is so blessed to have a Mama like you as an encourager.
love this! never thought about God saying not to fear once the fear was already in process! It’s easy for me to get bogged down in condemnation.
It was so freeing for me when I heard Nelson Mandela’s quote, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
Love that quote!
This is SO true. When we step out in faith and away from fear, we learn so much about ourselves and that wonderful God we serve!
Beautiful, perfect words. Thank you!
You are so welcome, Debbie.
Wow Holley, you’re amazing!
Right now my hubby & I are walking through our fears together as we embark on a new journey. We opened our own business in April, and are both still working full-time at our regular jobs, while trying to get this new business off the ground. It’s a lot to handle, while we also try to nurture our son & try to balance our family life!
We’ve known for a few years now that God was calling us to open our own business, yet we didn’t even know what that meant exactly, nor what it would BE. We believed that there would come a time when we’d have to take a giant leap of faith & walk in obedience.
While we’ve taken the steps necessary to open our business, everything has been SO smooth!! I just keep feeling in my heart that the steps we’ve taken, while acts of obedience, aren’t the actual “leaps of faith” He’s will be calling us to take. THAT is the scary part for me… I know He’ll be here every step of our journey & that IN Him there is no fear… but knowing that there will come a time when we’ll actually FEEL that fear as we TAKE that leap of faith, while feeling super scared to take it, THAT is scary!
I’m a planner! I like dates & timelines, words, beginnings & endings! Uncertainty scares the begeebies out of me!
So, your email, as always was super encouraging! I am reminded of God’s ability to not only lead us where He wants us, but to WALK us through it! I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of HIM chuckling at my plans & fear of His “non-disclosed” plans… all the while knowing that when He reveals them to me they will be far more than I could ever imagine! {sigh} This trust thing is hard! 
I’m so grateful to have an encouraging Woman of God {YOU, HOLLEY!}, in my life who can speak God’s truth into my heart!
Again, you’re amazing, Holley! Thank you for sharing! It’s through your own struggles, and victories, that God uses you to minister to those of us who are still in the struggling stage, longing for victory! You’re the tangible proof He gives each of us that victory IS on the other side!
Thank you for being a willing vessel!
With Love,
xoxo
Excited for you as you start this new adventure!
Several months back my bff Karen and I were talking, she is the director of women’s ministry at church and I am the very new special events coordinator, we were talking about our fall-kick off in August when all of a sudden, out of no where, I volunteered to cater the event. We are talking about 80 to 100 women. What did I just do, and where did that come from? I don’t volunteer to lead up anything, help out, sure, but lead it? NO WAY!!!! Talk about being scared silly, I’m terrified that I will mess the whole thing up.
God keeps telling me I need to do this, I need to take this step. Believe me I have come up with a hundred different ways to try and get out of this, none which make any sense.
This past Sunday sign up began and the menu posted. It all became very real. Yesterday I had one big ol’ panic attack and a real ugly cry, I was puffy eyed all day.
I am really scared, my confidence in myself is pretty low. But I am going to do this, and my confidence in God is sky high.
I find it quite amusing that this is the 3rd devotional today talking about the same subject. I can be a little thick, He knows, loves me anyway.
:):):):)
Love you, you are the best. !!!!!
You are a brave woman! Whew. Catering. I bet your food will be fabulous!
Hi there Holley
Your words sound like God gently tapping me on the shoulder. There are two leaps that scare me – one because despite being sure its God’s plan we keep getting knocked back from; the other one I have kept secret, long to do but am scared I’m not good enough and will fall flat on my face. I know I have to ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’, but you’ve really helped me to recognise I need to keep going and be brave on both counts!! Thank you Holley, you are such a blessing x
Keep pressing forward, Sharon!
Thanks so much for your words of wisdom today. I am interviewing for a new job this Friday and am excited but nervous at the same time. I keep asking myself is this where God wants me to go. I know that if it His Will, it will happen. I guess I’m looking for a little extra courage, just like the Lion in the Wizard of Oz. Thanks for being so uplifting.
Let us know how your interview goes, Karen!
Wow, Holley, I love how God so often seems to direct you to exactly what I need to hear that day! I’ve been blogging for a couple of years but now sense God challenging me to take it further, including guest posting. Funny how something like that can feel like a burglar rather than a squirrel! Thanks for putting it in perspective again, and for reminding me that “God doesn’t demand we get it right the first time. Or the tenth. He just asks that we step out in obedience as best we know how–fear and all.”
Keep writing and blogging, girl.
Thanks so much for sharing in a place so many people want to hide or at least hide from. It’s there whether we like it or not. We are starting the process of adoption and all of these meetings with social workers and courses we have to do and go through. Not to mention allll the reading we “should” be doing. It can be a little daunting to say the least. Through all that I feel fear creep in but I know God has our back. We are walking through this knowing that though fear is there, He is greater than that fear. God is good. Which is what I constantly tell myself when I start feeling scared silly.
Thank you for going where most of us don’t want to go. It helps to know others are in the same boat.
Jen
Your little one is going to be so blessed to be with you, Jen.
Holley,
God has recently been asking me to do some scary things that make my stomach turn and my head spin. But when He whispers, “Trust Me, dear,” the fog clears and I can lean on Him. It’s so easy to feel like fear isn’t Biblical, thank for the assurance that if we’re trusting God, a little bit of fear is okay.
Or a lot. I hope a lot is okay too.
Thank you for this message. I just went on my first interview in 15 years. I was so scared because the interview process has changed so much since I went on one. But once I was finished and they asked me if I had any questions for them. I said yes and I startedd to grill them like they did me and it felt good to be on the other side. Once I left the interview I was so proud of myself. I was all fired up telling myself I can do this. It gave me that energy that I needed to go all out for the interview. So I am in the process of setting up some more.
Thanks for this!
Jackie Ingram-Myers
Good for you, Jackie!
Holley, You have done it again, Girlfriend.. “It’s okay if you’re scared silly”.. WOW.. God truly speaks through you! Today I saw a cancer surgeon & radiologist as last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I AM GLAD GOD HAS MY BACK & HEARS ALL THE PRAYERS FOR EVERYONE!
Wow, Frances, praying for you now as you begin this new season.
Your words have come to me one by one this week ans each one right on the mark. Thank you for your obedience as it strengthens mine.
I love how you said that, Paige. That’s going in my journal.
Wow! Your words were very encouraging! Even before I finished reading your whole “article” I made that call that I have been putting off in what seems like forever! Thanks and along with others I thank God for you and Stephanie being in(courage)-ing!
Yay for making the call, Pat! Woo-hoo for you!
Girlfriend! Now, you know I know what you’re talking about here! Thank you! I needed this today!
Now, I’m off to go talk some sense into my fear: “Sit. Stay. Roll over.” Amen!
I heart you, friend.
Holley,
Right now at the present time I am going threw radiation treatments for breast cancer. Around the last of May we were scared but I have believed in God forever and that does go with knowing God. But anyway I went threw several tests and surgery and radiation. I have had more prayers offered up for me during the past several months than I ever have. God is in control and I work as a volunteer with Hospice and my sweet husband said I might being going threw this so I might be able to help somebody in the future.
Becky
Wow, Becky, you are serving even in your difficult time. That is so beautiful.
Holley God knew I needed to read this today as I face confronting some issues in my marriage that need healing. Today God is telling me to step out and trust Him, to obey and take the first steps. Thank you for putting into words what I have been feeling. I do feel fear but I know that I don’t have to let that fear control me. I can take the steps of obedience because God is faithful and He walks with me hand in hand.
Brandee
Yes, he’s with us, hand-in-hand and he’ll never let go.
Holley, love this…Until we get to heaven everything is an experiment…reminds me of using our creative imagination…I wrote a blog post about ir… http://bethwillismiller.blogspot.com/2009/09/imagine.html
Great thoughts, Beth!
Holley, God bless you! I love this message. I am learning to drive the 1st time tomorrow and very scared. All sorts of thoughts creep into my mind making me feel overwhelmed and lack confidence. I tried to stay positive but the fearful feelings are lingering. Traffic in NYC is horrible and many people come out of nowhere in the middle of the road. Your message calmed me and showed me that God has my back and tells me to have confidence because He is there with me. You are so lovely. Stay beautiful and keep on doing the great things that you do because you always influence others greatly!
I learned to drive in Houston so I can relate! You will do great!
holly wow. i want to cry every day you post is a small voice saying see i told you so.:-)
stress is powerfull stuff createing a ball of worry with your nerves and emotions.
Faceing fear is hard with shoes of the past troubles crippleing my motion and questioning myself can i really do this or am I doomed to fail for I am biting off more then i can chew. Am I pushing to hard and not taking the slow steaps my god sized drem needs to succedd? I just keep going but I do find it hard not judge myself and my relationship with god. Am I doing enough? I find myself always searching for answers and he always seems to answer them in odd ways or threw people’s words of advice. I am tired i hope i make since. I wonder if I am alone some days or am I normal to feel these emotions? Your words find a way in so many woman’s hearts , Simply said, Thanks!
I think all women struggle with these thoughts and emotions, Alicia. Just keep replacing them with truth and know you are loved!
Holley,
Once again, your words are like a warm hug at a time when I needed it most.
I love that your message not only speaks so powerfully to me, but to so many others facing the fear and uncertainty in our lives. There’s a lot of that these days. When the panic alarm starts to sound, I’ll picture God as that reassuring “Daddy” telling me “It’s going to be okay”.
Thank you <3
Thank you, Monica. So glad you’re reading.
I come across your blog on my newsfeed when a Facebook friend of mine shared it.
There’s a lot of people in this world who are dream killers, thank you for being a cheerleader! This post brought tears to my eyes, especially the part that said:
“And I whisper right back, “That’s a good sign. The closer you get to what God has called you to do, the more fear you’re probably going to feel.” ”
Amen!
I was never a cheerleader in high school so I’m glad I get a shot at it now.
Oh this is a lovely message! I’m living the reality of passing your fears to get to your dream! God has done some amazing things and is opening more and more doors of opportunity. Many times during the process fear has said, Quit!, but faith said keep it up! Thank you for your good word.
Enjoy this season of open doors, Rebekah. Good things are ahead for you.
Thanks for the encouragement Holley. I am in the middle of preparing for a performance that is a dream, a challenge and also very scary. It’s August 19 so this was timely! I am trying not to let fear paralyze me but just hoping to do my best and have fun doing it. However it goes, you are right- it is the journey of learning and growing through experience that matters.
So fun! Have a great performance!
so true! thanks, i needed to hear that.
You are welcome, Diana.
The lord absolutely calms my fears with His love. it only works when i reach out to God, lean on him. Recently im going to start substitute teaching in sept. and i have some fears because im short as the students and have been not teaching for a while due to prolonged illness. i trust ed God to heal in His time and give me this grace to find good in each dayand do others in small ways while ill. so now can i allow God to calm my fears? can i do the same?
This devotional makes me think of something my beautiful sister in Christ, Paula says…she heard it from a well-known speaker/author -”Do it afraid”. It means we may have fear, but with God’s help we can do it – even if we are afraid.
Thanks Holley!
YOU are amazing!
Blessings,
Susan
This is a really good post; my main comment is…keep trusting God, calling on His name, reading His word…fear/satan cannot abide living in the same house, meaning our minds, with God. satan may visit but he cannot stay whenever God resides. As we do these things, our comfort zone grows; as we do the things that make us fearful and, after prayer, deep breathing, our comfort zone grows. God grows us in direct proportion to our obedience to Him.
Didn’t He say, “obedience is better than sacrifice?”
Congratulations on your books but I’ve only been on pinterest once. It was delightful but a trifle overwhelming to me; that, plus it was a major black hole of, essentially, wasted time. I spend my time looking or doing…I choose doing -smile-. That’s because I’ve reached senior citizen status and my time is short; I feel the whisper of eternity at my door.
Fear…a word that’s all too familiar for me. I’ve struggled with this thing called “fear” for a long time. God knows me all too well, for He created me before the foundation of the world. So, this doesn’t come as a surprise to Him at all. However, why is it that I find myself trying to be “Perfect Patty” now. Christ saved me while I was yet a sinner. He also died for “all my sins” that includes “mistakes.”
Recently, I’ve been faced with a big career decision. It will involve moving overseas, taking a pay cut and being out of my comfort zone. When I opened up the email and read the title “Take that Brave Step” tears came down my eyes. I’ve been praying and asking God to speak to me concerning this decision. What a timely word of encouragement. If I wait until I’m unafraid, I’ll never do it! God is with me, for me and He loves me. I choose to trust Him…
I am older than may of the ladies writing here but so enjoy what you write Holley. This one is one I can give a little advice on.
I have allowed fear so many times throughout my life to cause me to miss out on something God maybe wanted me to have. So don’t let fear stop you from stepping out. The times I did step out in Faith were some of the most wonderful times of our live. Go for it, what have you to lose? And if it doesn’t work then put it behind you and go on to the next.
Hi, Holley:
I really appreciate the thoughts you have presented here, especially, “God doesn’t demand we get it right the first time. Or the tenth. He just asks that we step out in obedience as best we know how–fear and all.” Step out in Trust. That’s what He desires from us, and He knows our frame; He understands our weaknesses and our fears. His love and patience are so awesome.
Thank you for these reminders.
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Holly, I’ve followed you for a long time but I’ve never commented here. I am certain that the Lord has spoken to me to do something and “scared to death” would be an accurate description! I was cleaning house yesterday and while crouching on my knees pushing my vacuum under my dining room table ( wanted to paint you a vivid picture of EXACTLY what I was doing when the thought came!) I stopped and mentally flew to wherever it is you are, sat down in your office in a really fluffy chair with a cup of coffee in the late afternoon of the day and poured my heart out about all of my fears and insecurities over how to get this thing done!
When my daydream was over I thought, “I wonder if I really could contact Holly and ask her questions?” So I Googled you (usually I visit on InCourage or through your daily blogs I get through email) and I came to this post that said “It’s ok if you’re scared to death”….and I laughed inside at the sweetness of my God!
Since I’m here, I’d like to ask: How is the best way to have significant dialogue with you?
Much Thanks!