F-E-A-R

Fear. 

Definition: An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

To me, fear is more than just an emotion. It is a mountain. It is a challenge. It is a ten-foot brick wall blocking you from where you are trying to go. It is blinding. It is shadowing. It's building a wall around you and it's not letting you out, forcing you to believe only in what you can see. You refuse to see anything else or listen to anything else other than what the big black box you are stuck in is telling you. You are utterly, utterly, lost in despair and confusion. 

Fear is that little voice in the back of your mind saying, "You can't do this. You're to afraid." 

So you don't. 

I am afraid of a lot of things. Heights, speaking in front of a lot of people, etc. But I am also afraid of other things, things that don't necessarily make me feel sick to my stomach. I am afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone, and doing things I don't normally do. I am afraid that my new sibling(s) won't like me, and afraid of what this adoption could do to my family. I am also afraid that kids at my school will think I'm crazy or weird because my siblings are from another country. 

What are we doing? What happened to I can do all things through Him who gives me strength? Did God not say that he would protect us? 

"Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand." -Isaiah 41:10. He wasn't kidding, people. "For I the Lord your God will hold your right hand saying unto you, fear not; I will help you." -Isaiah 43:13. He will help us. He is always with us. He never leaves. So why are we afraid? 

In my heart I am afraid that the people reading this won't like it. And I am here to tell you that it is because you are trapped inside that big black box of fear. "You can't do this. You're to afraid." .

Yes, yes you can. You are never alone. 

And for that reason, you should never. be. afraid. 

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." -Psalm 56:3.