Do you remember in grade school or high school when the teacher gave you an oral presentation assignment? I do, and it was horrible. My heart would start pounding, my chest would tighten up, and the anxiety would set in. And worst of all, I felt the same way for the weeks leading up to the presentation.
Today, around four years after high school, the knot in my stomach still comes and goes. But it feels different. For me, it means that I am passionate about something and that I still need to overcome certain fears. It feels like an internal coach that pushes me to be uncomfortable and to face my uncertainties. Everyone in the world has something that drives them, whether it is good or bad. But many people choose to ignore it or make excuses for why they can’t. How can we go through life without at least trying to do something that has been kicking us in the head for years?
Could you imaging a life without fear and the sinking feeling in your stomach? Most crazy success stories stem from the stomach knot and the burning desire to go against the grain and do something scary. It wasn’t until last year that I learned to truly respect that feeling and enjoy it. Now I know that the fruit it will bring is well worth the storm.
In conclusion, face your fears and anxiety head on. And if you are doing it in the name of Jesus, please do not let hurtful words from others stand in your way.
