When I first started this missions journey, I was scared. Surprisingly, I wasn’t at all daunted by the idea of leaving everything and traveling to some of the poorest places in the world to serve. No. That was what I felt sure about. I knew beyond a doubt I was being called to something that others may describe as being, “scary”, but it didn’t scare me at all. So what held me back? I was held back by fear of people.
Fear of people?
Yes.
I was scared that people would not believe in my mission. I was scared that people would judge me for fundraising and view me as “begging for money”. I was scared that people would see it as irresponsible to leave a job and friends and just go.
I was scared that my friends would move on without me and forget about me. I was scared that I would come back completely different and unrelatable.
UGH!
All of my fears were rooted in the fear of people.
I still struggle with these same fears.
I have bungee jumped off of Victoria Falls. I have eaten a snake. I have thrown live grenades and fired machine guns (not on this mission trip, that’s another story, LOL).
I don’t get it. How am I still paralyzed by emotional fears?
Once again I am struck by the power that people have over each other. Once again I am dismayed by the power that hurtful and unkind words have to keep someone stuck and insecure. Once again I am determined to be only encouraging, kind, and supportive because I know how much power I have over people.
Psalm 118:6 says, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
This is the TRUTH.
So many times, we allow lies, and fear, and judgment, and mean people to hinder our lives.
I encourage you, don’t stop following what God is calling you to do just because you are afraid of what people will say, think, or do.
I have learned that for every person who has left me along the way, talked negatively about me behind my back, or even criticized me openly…the Lord has provided someone else who is an encouragement and a light.
Here’s the catch…I had to LET GO of the other people first.
So here is my advice:
Figure out the negative voices in your head. Figure out the voices telling you “no” and judging you. And WALK AWAY.
You can be kind, you can be loving, you can be respectful. That’s who you are. But you can not compromise your destiny for someone who sits on the sidelines yelling irrelevant and discouraging messages.
Don’t be afraid to take a few steps alone, God has people for you just one step away and you will know them by their ability to make you feel like anything God calls you to is absolutely possible.
If you are reading this, you know you are one of my encouragers and one of my lights! I am so thankful for the many, many blessings God has given me through my supporters and all the people have spoken truth and encouragement over this trip!! Love you all <3
