I asked one of my good friend, Jennifer Blossom to write a post for my blog. She is a woman that inspires and has a heart for Jesus. She is confident and comfortable in who she is. She is a blessing to me and I asked her to share and encourage you all. She was excited to share a little of her heart, and hopefully inspire. She is sharing about taking risks and being bold. I think we all can challenge one another in this area. I know in my life, it is when I step outside the boat and trust the Lord, my faith is stronger and deeper.
Growing up I was definitely a “no” person. It was my default to every invitation. Anxiety ruled my life. It dictated every decision I ever made. I would say up until my mid-20’s it consumed my days and freedom was only found at night, in my dreams. Crazy thing is that I was so good at pretending that no one had a clue how paralyzing it was.
Today, at age 32, I still second guess my default answer of “no” every time. My practice is now to say “yes” and if I feel fear that is begging me to default back to “no” I can define it as a lie that keeps me from enjoying life and taking risks.
All of this being said, saying “yes” to filming was hard for me. I knew that if I put myself out there I opened myself for critics to talk. What if I said something stupid? What if I looked dumb? What if my clothes were not as cool as everyone else’s? (Just being honest) And then I examined the fear. Were those reasons to not step out in faith? Were those good enough excuses to keep quiet and not share my heart? The answer was clear. I had to say yes because the anxiety was lying to me. It was incorrect bc the foundation of my faith tells me that the only opinion that matters is the opinion of Jesus. And I am saved so his view of me is nothing but adoration and grace. My identity needs to be focused on bringing him glory and everyone else’s is just noise.
Now if that is not freedom then I don’t know what is. I share this because I can’t be the only one that struggles and to me, keeping my secrets quiet only gives them power. So the little “spit fire” in me wants to douse out those flames and look fear in the face and smile as I do exactly what scares me the most.
I pray you can walk boldly in life. I pray you can hear the truth in your head and filter out the noise of your own self or the opinions of others. Remember to fight the good fight and fill your mind with only things that are good, for everything you do flows from what your mind meditates on.
If you can identify with any of this come check out my blog. It is a vulnerable place where I talk about all things I struggle with and how, through my faith, I am able to over come them.
All my love,
Jenn