I’ve noticed that every time I take a new or risky step, the first thing that I experience is discomfort.
Later it coagulates as Shame.
So, if, say… I’m going to take on something now, or write about something close to my heart that, haven’t shared before, or extend myself in a way that feels out of my expertise or depth… I’ll feel weirdly yucky and vulnerable, and than shameful.
I’ll think, “No one will care about this, don’t be a fool.”
or I’ll think, “You will be mocked. Don’t do step out on this.”
or I’ll think, “How can I do this so it doesn’t feel so risky?”
Just beyond those moments are moments of greatest growth and authenticity.
Defining moments.
Fear is wrestled and vanquished.
We stand on the precipice sometimes not knowing which way to go…onward or backward.
If it’s starting to scare the stink out of you, you’re doing it right. You’re pointed in the proper direction.
If you feel like running, hiding, or chickening out, then, good: you’re about to grow.
Keep going.
Do the thing you feel most vulnerable doing that you’ve been hoping for down deep: It’s the idea you just can’t shake but it scares you silly.
Lent is a great time to wrestle with all this stuff and the Resurrection celebration later becomes that more precious.
Here is a Scripture meditation for you today:
I’m highlighting the most powerful verses for me today, from I John, chapter 4.