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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