The Fear

by Michele Boy | June 22, 2023

my daughter is enrolled in the 4-H dog project. Her dog has grown in confidence and we have learned a lot about canine care. 
Last week when the rain fell hard and the hammering on the roof was unrelenting, my dog was terrified. 
This week, he could hardly stand to be in the building during the rally portion. All he wanted was out of that building! 
So we have to go back with him. Be gentle. Give him some extra attention and treats. By the end of the session, he was doing better. 
Has that happened to you? Has some trauma stopped you from moving forward? 
I  admit multiple traumas on top of each other make certain scenarios almost impossible. 
As my daughter is trying to break through one of hers, I keep reminding her of the hope. I keep sharing inspirational quotes and Bible verses. But ultimately it has to come from within. 
So I will ask you. What are you afraid of? My list is long. What if you have to let go to see the goodness? What if you have to trust? What if it all falls apart? 
But what if you get to the end of your life and you missed out on so many good things because you were afraid. 
My daughter and I talk a lot about real fears and false alarms. Is this a real fear or a false alarm? Honestly in the moment of my fear it seems real. 
What if? 
  But I feel like God is saying faith over fear. Take one step toward me I will take ten steps towards you. But, but, what about what happened in the past? 
God is bigger than this. God has a plan. Maybe the sliver of the dream, job, relationship  isn’t good enough and God wants more for you. 
What if God had this incredible gift but you can’t get it until you let go. 
Let go. That is hard. 
What if I fail? Oh my darling, what if you fly?
And maybe instead of asking why is this happening, ask what is this trying to teach me. 
All of this sounds so easy when you are on the outside looking in. How many times have you seen someone with a person who treats them awful? How many times have you seen a wonderfully talented, incredibly smart person who just couldn’t break their addiction? 
  But stop now and look at yourself. What can’t I let go of? What I am afraid of? Can you give that to God? 
Have you heard of a God box? You put the things you are praying for and the things you fear into the box and ask God to take control. 
What if it all goes better than you imagined?