Earlier this year I did something I’ve never done before. I’ve always wanted to but I always allowed fear to hold me back.
Fear of judgment.
Fear of not being good enough.
Fear of failure.
Fear of stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something uncomfortable.
So in May of this year, I decided to simply go for it. I worked for days on a piece I had written previously entitled “Finding Joy after a Devastating Loss”. Finally, when it was done to my satisfaction I entered it in Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition.
I waited anxiously until October hoping I’d receive an email saying I’d place in the competition.
But I didn’t.
I was disappointed. I still am. However, I’m happy that I actually did it.
I didn’t win but neither did fear.
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Have you stepped out of your comfort zone lately and done something you were afraid to do? I’d love to hear about it.
Trusting Him,
~Bernadine~
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Thank you for writing this. I entered my manuscript in a contest a month ago and I am anxiously waiting. If I don't win at least I'll know I didn't let fear win. Thank you for the encouragement!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat story Bernadine. You didn't let fear cripple you and you found the positive in your disappointment. I found it interesting that you said 'when it was done to my satisfaction i entered it....' You were happy with it and that is really what matters. I'm sure that it was wonderful and remember, there's always next time.
ReplyDeleteAndie
Bernadine,
ReplyDeleteThere is something about your posts that my heart connects to.
I know God's given me an assignment - a writing assignment. But I keep pushing it to the bottom of the pile. Use complacency as an excuse. Or not today. Maybe next week...next month...next year.
But your post today awakened my reluctant heart.
Thank you too for taking time to write that comment on my latest post. I never thought that my situation could be compared to Joshua and Caleb - but just last night at our family devotional, I spoke about Joshua and Caleb and how their faith response differed from that of the other ten spies.
It was a response of faith proven in the wilderness.
And I like what you said. It resonates within me - that you have given me a message from God, to encourage me, to propel me to the next level of my kingdom assignment,
Thank you.
Love
Lidj
Great job, very proud of you. I love you.
ReplyDelete"You go girl"!!! Fear did not win that's a great feeling and you're sure to win next time you're a good writer,hang tough and don't give up.Your break will come enter again & again.
ReplyDeleteLove you much
Even though you did not place in the competition, but you did not let fear rule you. I agree, it is sometimes hard to step out of our comfort zone. However, He is with us every step of the way, and we can never loose by trusting Him.
ReplyDeleteLove & peace,
<>< Iris
Hi Bernadine -
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you entered the contest...that was important to do.
Praise the Lord.
What do I fear? GOD
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Hi Bernadine,
ReplyDeleteYou didn't let fear stand in your way, and even though you didn't win the contest, you won the fight against fear. The fears you listed are exactly what I struggle with, especially judgement from others.
Your question to the blogger " Have yyou stepped out of your comfort zone..." ---My answer is yes, I stepped into the blogesphere :o)
Blessings,
Michele Katherine
Precious,
ReplyDeleteYou're a winner in GOD's eyes and that makes you a winner in my eyes.
Great message! As one who lived a very dibilating fear based life from the abuse in my childhood; I know what it is to live FEAR or perhaps I should say have fear live you. I'm thankful for the deliverance through Christ and I often have to remind myself and step out by faith.
Be encouraged and I'd love to read what you submitted.
Love ya!
Hi Bernadine,
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while since I've visited. I've been really busy. I have a fear of public speaking, but through prayer and having confidence in the gifts God has given me, I'm doing much better than I have in the past.
When you get a moment, come visit my blog and read my new post about restored self-esteem and my NEW Photography blog at http://www.judysphotogallery.blogspot.com.
Blessings,
Judy