Saturday, March 12, 2011

Spiritual Sunday......Fly

Thanks Charlotte and Ginger for always hosting these awesome Spiritual Sunday

"I am not afraid... I was born to do this." Joan of Arc

I heard someone say fear can be a motivator...that it can help push you to do the thing you're afraid to do.  Not me....fear does the opposite. It pushes me to run....hide....give up. Sometimes it's powerful grip squeezes so tight I slip into into a place of feeling desperate. I become so immobilized that I can't think straight or do anything that makes any sense.

I used to run on fear....it used to colour my world dark....black and left me feeling hopeless and in a constant state of panic.

Next week I have to give my first speech at Toastmaster's...an ice breaker...a 5-7 minute talk. Not a long time.....but for someone who'se only spoken for 29 seconds....it's like having to speak for an hour. I've always struggled with being seen.....and being heard. 
 
But I refuse to move on fear anymore. I refuse to allow it's hold to dictate what I do or don't do in life. I'm determined to stand up....not give in.... not buckle. I'm determined to move towards where my heart pulls and it's in speaking and telling my story.  I want to show hope to others who are where I was.....I don't want to hide anymore.  
 
Fear vs.courage. I choose courage. And I've got my faith to hold onto ...faith that's become my anchor....Knowing He's in my corner....that I'm not alone.....I can do this!!! 
 
 ...if I can see it I can do it...if I believe ...there's nothing to it..


 

26 comments:

Donnie said...

You will do great Sarah. You were given this challenge for a reason and I'll be looking forward to you telling us how great it was.

Wanda's Wings said...

I know you be fine. You got it in you!

Toyin O. said...

You are going to do great!!!! I will keep you in my prayers, you can do it!

laughwithusblog said...

I get so nervous to speak in front of people. I literally shake like a leaf.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

You are so brave! Look how far you have come!!!
kim

Anonymous said...

I know you will meet this challenge and I can't wait to hear all about it. God bless you.

Musings of A Minister said...

Great insight in this post! Three cheers for you for joining Toastmasters. That's fantastic. I am an introvert and I preached for 47 years. But when I was in high school I took an F for oral books reports because I refused to give them. My first speech was a three minute "talk" given at a Vacation Bible School closing program. I went to the preacher before I spoke. I cried and begged him to let me "off the hook." He encouraged me to just try. I did and I have been talking ever since. I will pray for you. You will do great!!

Gayle said...

I like the saying, fear knocked at the door, faith answered it, no one was there.

Anonymous said...

I pray that His words will be the words that you speak, His actions the ones you take. That He will be speaking and acting through you.
It's going to be wonderful!!

Lisa notes... said...

Oh, Sarah, I pray that God will give you the courage to speak out in spite of your fear. I just know you’ll do wonderfully! You have so much to share of His love.

Nana Jul said...

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! You are no longer the old you, fearful, running...He made you NEW, bold, courageous, and full of the Holy Spirit!
Just be the New You. Talk like you are talking to us, let His light shine through you..because it already does. We'll be praying for you!
Love,
Julie

Arti said...

Great post.. Even I am so afraid to speak in public on a stage, but we must definitely choose courage over fear, he we are right then God will help us for sure...
Have a good day:-)

Saleslady371 said...

I'm standing in the gap for you this week, Sarah. Think of it this way...what you chose to do in speaking up is enhancing the kingdom of God. They will see Jesus as you stand there because His strength will carry you. It's ok to do it afraid. He is in this!

Just Be Real said...

Sarah I have, and certainly God has no doubt in your ability. Dear one you are truly special. Blessings.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

Sarah,I will keep you in my prayers for the upcoming week. Thank-you for sharing this beautiful song.
Gog Bless,
Ginger

Renee said...

I am praying for you as your face your fear with courage. THis week I read a devotional on fear as I struggle with it too. The woman spoke of how fear would permeate her thoughts and life and how she would go to God time and time again and expect Him to be tired of her weaknesses surrounding fear and worry. She visualized God's loving smile and Him saying to her with compassion and no judgement, "You have been here before. Get up girl. Get off your pallet and sickbed and walk. There is a life to live and there is freedom if you want it!" I believe each time we face our fears it breaks the stronghold it has over us and moves us more into that place of freedom we long for. Praying that for you, as one who understands herself. God bless.

Cathy said...

Thanks for sharing that beautiful song.

God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.

The righteous are bold as a lion. :)

Praying for you to be anointed and mightily used by God for His glory ~

It is a lovely day here today, sunny and 70. I need to go outdoors! Blessings ~

Ginny Hartzler said...

Only a few years ago, I used to be the same way. But here's the key. Have everything written out and be prepared. Then you will not be stumbling around. And five minutes starts off short. Speak up, hold your head up, smile, you WILL be BRILLIANT!!! I speak publically all the time now, and it's just like breathing, I don't think a thing about it. It took me only ONE time, and I was over it. This is the beginning of the end of this fear for you! If I could do it, so can you, because I used to suffer from social anxiety disorder. Wish I could be there or see a video of you. I'm so proud of you for doing this.

Anita Johnson said...

I just wrote your name down on my prayer list. I was an art teacher for 6 years and always felt totally comfortable in a classroom...adults or kids...but giving a speach would be very difficult for me. Why are we like that? (-: About 10 years ago I suffered from panic attacks...so yucky...left me so fearful. With God's help and the help of friends, it is a thing of the past. "Fear God and nothing else".
You will do great this week!

Renee said...

Good for your, Sarah! It'll feel great when you conquer this challenge. I'm visiting from Doorkeeper. Blessings!

Janis Van Keuren said...

So proud of you! Choosing courage instead of fear. Choosing to tell others of God's victory in your life!

That was a beautiful song.

Will be praying for you this week.

Blessings,
Janis

Anonymous said...

I can totally emphathize with you. I've always had a fear of speaking in public. I even took an F in high school one year rather than give an oral book report. I'm so proud of your can do spirit. I know God will be with you and they say the more you speak in public the easier it becomes. You have so much to share that will bless so many people.
Now go out there and "knock 'em dead."
Charlotte

Anonymous said...

Maybe that last sentence wasn't the best. But you know what I mean. LOL

Annesphamily said...

You will be fine! I do know you will be great! You know who is on your side. I miss visiting you. Lovely post. Anne

Natasha in Oz said...

I think everyone has said everything I was going to say! I am sure that all will be perfect.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the week and Happy St Patrick's day!

Best wishes,
Natasha.

Anonymous said...

I believe YOU can fly!