Last month in Romania, my dad came to visit me for the Parent Vision Trip. We had a wonderful week and I am putting together a blog all about it. During the trip, my dad shared about overcoming fear and it was amazing, so I had him write it down for me to share with you!
Fear to Faith by Tommy Goodroe
I grew up with lots of fears: fear of the dark, fear of meeting new people, fear of speaking to people, and fear of doing new things on my own. My fears were reinforced by 12 years of school where I faced a lot of rejection and bullying. It did not help that I had a father who was overprotective. I never felt like I had anyone who believed in me and was encouraging me to step out and develop my gifts. I missed a lot of opportunities because of fear. There were times in school when I knew the right answer but was afraid to speak up. There were times I didn’t share my opinion on topics that were important to me because I was afraid. There were times I said yes because I was afraid to say no. I delayed getting married because of fear.
After I graduated from college with a degree in English Education, I could not find a job. It seemed like no one in the state of Louisiana needed an English teacher. I had originally majored in journalism, but changed my major due to fear. I was afraid to go out and speak to people I didn’t know. I was afraid of approaching strangers and unknown situations. While I was in college there were posters on the wall of the education building advertising an opportunity to teach English in Japan. As I look back now, I think of what a great opportunity that would have been. I wish I’d had someone to encourage me to step out and go.
As I began to walk more closely with the Lord, I discovered Psalm 34:4: I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. I began to pray that verse and God began to deliver me from fear. It’s amazing to think that the kid who was afraid to raise his hand in class has sung solo in front of 2,000 people. I can stand up and preach to a crowd of people. I can’t say that all my fears are gone, but in every situation I face, I ask myself if fear is the only reason stopping me. If it is, then I don’t have a reason; I need to do it. Recently two friends died in their sleep unexpectedly. It reminded me of how short life is and that we shouldn’t put things off. One of the things that caused me to put things off is fear. That’s why I work to give it no place in my life.
One thing I determined is that my children would not face the same thing I did. I wanted to support them in every way I could. It was scary to see them drive off in the car, but I knew they needed to do that. When Amanda asked to go on her first mission trip, it was scary to say yes. We knew that once she got to the mountains of Costa Rica, we would have no contact with her for several days. But I knew that she needed to go. I know she had fear about going, but I wanted to be the voice to say, “Yes, you can.” When Amanda decided to go on the World Race, it was big step of faith for all of us. Would she be able to raise the money? Would she stay healthy? Would she be able to finish the race? Would she be able to carry all her belongings in two backpacks? My Dad passed away a couple of years ago, but I kept thinking that he would be horrified that we let our daughter travel all over the world with a group of strangers. I didn’t want to be the voice of fear but the voice of faith. I have so many regrets about missed opportunities. Sometimes you step out and you make a mistake. But you can learn from mistakes. It’s much easier to live with mistakes than regrets.
I was so sad to hear the stories of other racers whose family, friends, and churches did not support what they were doing. There is so much negativity in this world. Our family, friends, and churches should be voices of support for us. I knew Amanda had some fear before she left, but I knew she was being given the opportunity of a lifetime. I wasn’t going to be the one who helped her create a regret. I didn’t want her to hear fear from me; I wanted her to hear faith. I wanted her to hear, “You have my support,” and “Yes you can.” Amanda is on a race that is sometimes fun, sometimes scary, sometimes frustrating, sometimes uncomfortable, and sometimes incredible. It’s a time in her life that she will never forget. She is creating a bank of experiences that she will be able to draw on the rest of her life. I’m not sure what she’ll do after the Race, but she knows she can count on me to help her say yes to whatever the Lord asks.
