- feeling of anxiety: an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger
- frightening thought: an idea, thought, or other entity that causes feelings of fear
- reverence: respect or awe for somebody or something
Do you struggle with fear? Lately I have confronted it rather often. For the most part I win those confrontations by taking it to God and giving it to Him to deal with! And by being reminded that He loves me just as I am and my worth is not measured by my accomplishments and what other people think of me.
It is easy to talk about the things I want to do and plan to do them. But actually doing them means I might fail. And fear comes knocking. One result is that I put off doing the things I want or need to do. I find ‘busy work’ to do, telling myself that stuff needs done too. Which it does, indeed, need attention but in reality I’m just avoiding doing the things that MIGHT flop. And by not getting at it and doing it I don’t KNOW if it will flop but I fear it might so I hide behind the things that do, perhaps, need done, but aren’t really that important, and don’t help me carry out the goals I want to accomplish. And on and on, and round and round. Just like that run-on, convoluted sentence 
I’ll just put it out here – one of my big fears right now is this Etsy shop of mine I keep talking about opening in JULY! Yes, I know July is right around the corner. And I don’t have pictures edited, uploaded, descriptions written, etc. I have some ideas in my head of things I want made to list in the shop when it opens but I haven’t got at it and made them. You see, fear keeps dogging me! What if it is a big fat flop? What if no one buys stuff? I’m in the ‘declutter’ mode lately and I certainly don’t want people buying stuff that they don’t need or want! What am I thinking anyway? Maybe I should just give it up already. And on it goes.
I have blog posts I want to write that I’m not finding time to write. I have a dress to make for a friend that I have pushed to the bottom of the pile for over 6 months! (hanging head in shame) I have a dress for another friend and a dress for her daughter that need made and I’m not finding time to make them. I get overwhelmed over all the things I have here to do, the things I want to do, and sometimes I just hide, let fear take over, and I don’t accomplish anything!
Am I the only one who feels this way? And really, what am I opening myself up to putting it out here like this? My readers will now know I really am a nutcase and totally not worth their time! And there I go again, letting fear take control.
And then I am gently reminded that I can give it to God – again. He is always there to take it and shoulder it for me. Remind me of the things He has worked out for me in the past few months. That I am loved and very worthwhile to Him. And that is all that really matters. So I will busy myself today with the things that have to be done (like finishing this bridesmaid dress ) and I will focus on finishing up some things that have to happen before I open up shop. AND. I am going to give myself a deadline. EEEEEK! But I’ve never missed a deadline yet so hopefully this will help. Opening date is July 11. Of course, since I’m setting that deadline for myself it is possible to change it but I’m going to do my best to kick this fear factor out the window and embrace definition number 3 above. Reverence and awe of my wonderful Creator God who made me, gave these talents, cares about every aspect of my life, and can turn fear into peace.
Do you struggle with fear? How do you deal with it??
*photos are all projects I have put off for one reason or anotherSew a Fine Seam
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Jill- I loved this post. I do NOT think you a nutcase nor do I think you are gonna lose readers over this. I think we all can relate in some way. I def can in the “projects” area. I used to think of it as lack of confidence in myself… but after reading your post it has challenged me to see it as fear and take IT to the Cross! Thanks so much for sharing. I can’t wait to see your shop and BTW- if you ever wanna get rid of or sell your lovely chair… I have a bedroom that would love it =) Blessings on your motivation this Monday =)
Thanks Angie! We all struggle with fear at some point I know! It’s just so easy to think others have it all together and never deal with it!
Oh, I so understand this. I believe fear is one of the biggest strongholds that I deal with daily. I especially feel it when it comes to my kiddos, as some of them have hurts that I cannot heal, and I find myself projecting my concerns for them wwwaaayyyy into the future…imagining every disaster that their choices may bring them as teenagers or adults. It has the same root as what you shared…failure. Somehow if they make wrong choices or choose a less-than-glorifying-God journey in life, it will mean I failed as a parent. But I realize it, and get it, and somehow wobble along, trusting that He is pleased with every stumbling step forward I take in faith. One of my prayers besides the “Help! Help! Help!” prayer which pretty much constitutes much of my day…is “Lord, help me to accept failure as part of the learning process in life. Help me not be devastated by it, but see it as an opportunity for you work good out of it for all the lives it concerns.” Fear is so paralyzing. Yet, I know, that it if we just mmmoooveee ahead, slow as it may be, we are making progress. And in *most* situations, we are always given another chance to get up and try again…”For the righteous falls seven times, and rises again…” Prov 24:16 I want to live a life without fear also. I understand. Love you.
Fear. Been there. Done that. Been there again. Done that again. Almost every day, I think. Fears that range from little to big. Fears that range from legitimate to pride. BUT, I’m believing God!! And He can banish the fear that comes from the enemy!
I really like John Maxwell’s book called “Failing Forward”. I have the audiobook-will have to lend it to you.
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What a great post. So full of truths. I nodded along in agreement throughout your entire post. I face the same fears EVERY DAY! And, like you, I busy myself with things I know I can accomplish or do and put the things off that might challenge me. I am proud of you for setting a date to open your shop. I can’t wait to pursue what you’ll be selling. From what I’ve seen of you and your blog, I know your shop will be amazing.
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For the record, the picture of the chair that needs reupholstered strikes fear in MY heart.
Looking forward to your Etsy shop, whenever that might be.
Hmmm That sounds quite familiar. I worry about a lot of things and also have several projects in the works as well a who know how many blog posts half done.
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Oh my goodness, if I shared all of my diy fails I would have no readers! It just goes with the territory of being creative. I’m the queen of putting off my projects and telling the blogosphere that I’m starting something is the BEST motivation for me. I’ve seen this quote lately…Better to have a life of , “Oh, well.” than “What if?” I can’t wait for your Etsy shop to open, it will be great!
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