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Not Afraid, Not Like Mari

I had a very uncomfortable evening last night. I’m glad.


As most of you know, I’ve been writing and illustrating my own novel for the past few months. Yesterday, my parents read it. I was terrified.



It’s a big step of faith and vulnerability to share something that is so close to your heart, with people who know your heart so well.



Because I knew they would pick up on the nuances, all the ways the protagonist, Mari, is like me. They would notice her artistry, obviously, but also her anxious tendencies and self-esteem issues.


Essentially, Mari comprises struggles I have overcome, and battles I’m still fighting every day.


It’s scary to share that.



But like I’ve so often said, I’m determined to be a fear fighter.



God has not made me, or any of us, to have a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7).


So, I sat through this reading, all 23 pages of it (fun fact: 23 Word pages is about 40 book pages, so I’m making progress!).


At first I was a bundle of nerves, but after a few minutes, I couldn’t help but smile. My writing, my writing was creating a story, a world. Praise the Lord.


By the end of the night, my parents were asking me questions and giving me feedback and I felt like a real writer! It was so cool!


What started out as a terrifying encounter ended up being a wonderful growing experience.



I never would’ve known that if I’d listened to my fear.



Friends, we have a ton of things to be afraid of. I’m sure a bunch are popping into your head as you read this.


But God did not design us to listen to those fears! He made us to have a spirit, His Spirit, of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7).



We can’t keep letting our fears control our lives. We need to lean into the fear instead.


I know it’s scary, but it’s time. Time to step out in faith, casting your worries and cares unto the One who cares so deeply for you (1 Peter 5:7).


I love Mari, this character I’m creating, but I don’t want to live in fear like her. She’s going to become a fear fighter (spoiler alert!), though.


How about we join her?


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