As a child, I lived life “scared.” As a teenager, I lived life “scared.” And, for most of my adult life, I lived life “scared.” Scared is defined as being fearful or frightened which adequately describes the way I was living life.

For example, more often than not, I lived fearful that the people I loved the most would decide I wasn’t good enough and walk away. I was also frightened that someone might see me as I saw myself: disgusting — thus validating my worst nightmare.

What’s interesting about living life scared is that this emotion was part of my DNA and I had no idea there was a different option; a different way to “feel” about life. A different way to experience life.

Maybe you can relate?

So, when did the light come on? When was I able to identify fear as the lens through which I viewed most of my life?

It wasn’t until I became Brave Enough to ask the Lord for His help. Looking at my past was too hard. I was too scared and I couldn’t do it alone, which is why I found the first step the hardest; acknowledging my fear and my inability to live differently. The second step I took for my spiritual health was much easier but it also took courage; I asked the Lord for help.

The third step seemed to seamlessly fall together; a group of women gathered around me and I became Brave Enough to stop fighting the fear, look it straight in the eyes, and call it what it was — a lie. This is when I realized, my heavenly Father was with me. This is when Isaiah 41:13 became alive to me. And today, Isaiah 41:13 is as real to me as the air I breathe.

So why do I feel prompted to write these words?

It’s really a no-brainer. How do I not share the spiritual health and healing I have experienced when there are people — girls, boys, teens, women, and men — living life just as scared as I was? Especially when I know there’s an answer and a pathway to healing and freedom called Brave Enough. I must share the gift of spiritual health and I must prayerfully ask you this:

If any part of this blog strikes a chord, deep within your soul, will you be Brave Enough to take the first step?

It’s always the hardest but know this, if you are Brave Enough to take this first step, you are not alone and there’s nothing to fear. We are here to help you. Most importantly, the Lord is reaching out to you and he is saying to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.”

Learn more about Brave Enough to Change and join a spiritual health small group today.