I use to shy away from people. A crowd evoked fear and possible shame and the inevitable failure. In high school, I hid away behind computer desks, math class and science; or so I thought. Anything involving the possibility for speaking in public made me instantly turn a shade of carmine with a hint of chestnut.
It’s downright amazing what God can do with a heart. With my heart. Because I am but clay in my Father’s hand, and He molds me into the image He desires. I can cry against the work of the Master Potter’s hand, but His hand is firm, yet gentle. I’m so thankful for His molding…
Now I crave people, and crowds, and I embrace the chance to be vulnerable, if it means bringing Him glory and others freedom. When we can release the white knuckle fear, He brings the peace we’ve been secretly longing for. We have to be willing to walk through the fire (but for a moment) to get to the serenity on the horizon. We realize that we come across the Jordan, purified by His love.
For His will, walking in His ways and His dreams for me, is a far better way of living than hiding under a rock. For fear brings torment, but perfect love casts out fear.
I’m so thankful that He cast out the fear in my heart that kept me bound, and set me free to really live.
So won’t you walk with me, hand in hand, into the scary sea, called crowd? It’s not so bad, and people are waiting to hear your story; to know that they have a voice too. They are longing to be set free from the fear of failure. You were made free, to help free them!
1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
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Such a sweet post. I too can relate to overcoming fear and now enjoying the very thing I used to dread. Hi from a fellow FMF writer!
Thank you Traci!! I have felt the same way- but in high school I was a bit of a social butterfly it wasn’t until later that I hated crowds, being vulnerable. I loved how you said and pointed out that our stories help others be set free. God uses us even our sinfulness. God does amazing things.
“willing to walk through the fire . . . to get to the serenity.” That phrase stopped me. And I think getting to that point gives us the serenity to walk through the next fire. And I love how you’ve overcome your fear by remembering God freed you from your crowd fear to help free the crowd.
I remember when speech class made me nauseous. 🙂
The picture of the microphone got me. It’s something I love and loathe. Believing the fire you spoke of will last longer than a moment is paralyzing. Thanks for your testimony of freedom and the reminder that others might need to hear our stories…but mostly for the Scripture reminder. Pressing into His love is the ultimate answer. I appreciate your post.
Thanks Traci for another beautiful heartfelt post. I use to be that fearful person too. Could hardly walk into a crowded room without shaking..never EVER thought I could do public speaking…but with HIS strength I do it. Its amazing what HE does in our lives when we allow HIM to take charge. Thanks for sharing your heart so beautifully.