Fear

Today I am having my wisdom teeth taken out. Those who know me could tell you how terrified I am but I try not to let on that I am. Why am I scared?

Today's post is going to be about three different kinds of fear and why we have fear as a emotion.

1. Fear of the Unknown
Almost 99% of the time when I feel fear, it is because I'm thinking about doing something or I'm already doing something that is UNKNOWN to me. As humans, we like the comfort of knowing. Knowing what and how things are going to go down. Knowing the plan. Knowing what we are use to in out daily habits. And when we a faced with not knowing, we tend to be more fearful. Which is natural, and you shouldn't feel shame about being scared of the unknown. We have all felt this way.

2. Fear of Failure 
Sometimes we don't give our best effort because we are afraid of failing if we did. Not a single person likes to fail. Yet, at some point in each of our lives, we do fall short. We don't get that A+ that we were hoping for. We don't stay on top of house work. We forget to reply to messages. We make a mess out of dinner. We sleep in and forfeit a workout. We fail at our goals. But don't you think the word "fail" is a tad bit harsh? Just because we mess up sometimes, that doesn't mean we are a failure. If you are fearful of not being able to meet expectations, don't let that fear make you stop the progress that you will eventually make, no matter how small it may be.

3. Fear for Safety
This kind of fear is when you or a loved one is in danger. Fear that results in caution. The play it safe mentality. It's the kind of fear that grips you when bad things happen. This kind of fear is usually felt with adrenaline or stress. Fear for safety takes a lot of self talk, and prayer in order to get through it. We all have felt this kind of fear as well.

All three of these different kinds of fear are valid emotions, but these emotions can get out of control if we allow it to. I believe fear is a emotion just like joy, kindness, worry, etc.

For example, if no person ever felt fear, the world would go crazy doing dare-devilish type things and having to pay for the consequences of their actions based without a sense of fear (Fear for Safety.)

All humans are faced with fear. It's how we deal with fear that can effect us in a negative way.

You see, fear is one of those things that can get in our heads and enable us to move on, move forward. And when fear gets ahold of us like that, it turns from a harmless emotion into a battle. A battle between truth and lie. Fact versus fear. In the face of fear we tend to think irrationally. We try to hid from the unknown, we sulk when we feel not enough, flighty when at risk. With all three cases of fear, we try to put it off, because fear is uncomfortable.

Today I face the Fear of the Unknown. I want to control the situation, not be in the hands of someone I barely know. But as I look back over past times when I have stepped outing the unknown, I can see countless other times when I have overcome this real fear. That's why it is important to see how far we have come in the past. Thinking about times when we have overcome the fear has a way of boosting our confidence.

I think a lot of times we try to wave it off as if our fear is not legitimate. As if we shouldn't be feeling this way. This is both false and somewhat true. Fear as a emotion is very real, it is definitely legitimate, and no one should tell you otherwise. But when this fear turns into a battle (A battle where the emotion gets too strong to decipher fact from fear) we can sometimes become irrational in our decision making. We can form our reaction to the fear we feel off of a lie we are telling ourselves. And this is unhealthy.

Example:
Using the Fear of Failure... When a school test comes back and you've done awful, you fear you won't graduate. Fear as Fact tells you: True, if you keep doing poorly, there will be consequences. But one bad grade will not stop you from trying your hardest on the next test. Irrational Fear tells you: That you're not smart. Your never going to make it. In both school and life. You have fallen short and will never succeed.

As you can see, the emotion of "fear" is still in both scenarios, but the outlook is different. One is of fact. Accepting the truth of the matter, and giving a effort to change your grades. The other is of a out-of-control emotion when the fear of fact becomes blown way out of proportion. And you tell yourself that your life is doomed.

The main point of this post is to say... We all have fear as a emotion. If we let it, our Faith in Jesus Christ will allow the fear to stay a emotion and not a emotion that turns into a reaction based off of lies we believe. But without Faith, fear can become overwhelming and squelching. It can give us lies to believe and false facts to make a bigger deal out of things than they are.

Because fear is a emotion, it is also a choice. You can choose how you handle your fear.

How do you handle fear? Did this post help you understand fear as a emotion or did I just confuse you? (You don't have to answer that! *winks*) 

Many Blessings,
Brooklyne Elysse

Only in You, LORD // A Poem

Only in You, LORD 

Written by Brooklyne

Though mountains shake

And rivers rage

I will not break

I’ve found courage

Only in You, LORD

I cannot conquer

I cannot succeed 

I cannot become stronger

I cannot be freed 

Without you, LORD

Though nights are tough

Peace is rare among worries 

Facades harder to bluff

I can rise above the flurries 

Only in You, LORD

I cannot survive 

I cannot bond 

I cannot thrive

I cannot go on

Without You, LORD

Though I sink and slide

The slippery slope

Where darkness will hide

I place my hope

Only in You, LORD

I cannot grow

I cannot fly

I cannot bestow

I cannot try

Without You, LORD

Though I am weak
You are teaching me
To ask and seek
To knock and believe 
Only in You, LORD

Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Have you been going though a time in your life where you need to rely on God's strength to get you through? If so, know I am praying for you! I hope this poem was able to encourage you today! 

I Will Lift My Eyes // A Poem

I Will Lift My Eyes

Written by Brooklyne 

I will lift my eyes 

To the hills 

From whence comes my help?

My help comes

From the Lord 

Who made heaven and earth. 

I will lift my eyes 

To the One

Who is sovereignty 

For God has 

Supreme power

And shows loving kindness 

I will lift my eyes

To the heights 

For if God is for me

Who shall be 

Against me?

God has already won

I will lift my eyes

To Jesus 

The lamb of God who

Undeservingly  

Was slain for me 

A selfless sacrifice 

I will lift my eyes 

To my Savior 

Who rescues and saves

The weak, frail 

And weary 

He’s my anchor in the storm 

I will life my eyes 

From the waves 

And the wind so fierce 

For greater Hands 

Hold me than 

That which is in the world 

I will life my eyes 

To the Lord 

My Heavenly Father

Prince of Piece 

Deliverer 

From whence comes my help!

Psalm 121:1,2 NKJV

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-- From whence comes my help? 

My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth."

Sometimes I forget to "lift my eyes" to Jesus from all my worries and troubles. It's easy to get so absorbed in life happenings to forget to look up and know that God has already won the victory! This poem is to serve as a reminder to keep our eyes on Jesus amidst the storms in our life, He will never let you down. 

This poem reminded me of this song ^^ and I thought I would included it in today's post!  

What did you think of this poem? Was there a verse that stood out to you in some way? Have you heard the song "Look Up Child" by Lauren Daigle before? What are some ways that we can focus on Jesus more, and our worries less? I'll see you in the comments below! 

~~~ 
(P.S. HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TOMORROW! 
Check out last years Forth of July post HERE! And if you want, bake that cake I shared the recipe for... it's worth it, trust me! *winks*)

Exodus 3:14 // A Poem

Exodus 3:14 

Written by Brooklyne 

I AM WHO I AM 

Why do you question My abilities?

Why do you make excuses for yourselves?

Will you not do as I ask you to do?

I AM WHO I AM 

Here is the sign you so unfaithfully asked for

A burning bush and a serpent rod

Now do you see, for I AM? 

I AM WHO I AM 

And yet you still are unsure

Will you believe after I give and heal your leprosy? 

Will you believe if I turn water to blood?

I AM WHO I AM 

Speak, for I will give you words

Be bold, for I am with you

Obey Me, for I AM

I AM WHO I AM 

You say you do not speak well

But who has made your mouth? 

Go, I will teach you what to say

I AM WHO I AM

Oh Ye of little faith

I ask for you to be apart of My plan

My plans will always prevail, for I AM

I AM who I AM 

Go and have faith

Believe in Me

For I AM WHO I AM!

Exodus 3:14 NKJV

“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, 'Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" 

I wrote this poem when I was struggling with God just like Moses was in Exodus chapter three. Moses kept voicing excuses and doubts when God was right there, performing miracles and signs. Even though Moses saw God's power first hand, he still complained and finally asked God to find someone else to do the work that He wanted him to do. 

Eventually, Moses came around and did the work. But reading those passages in the Bible one night, I was like "Come on, Moses. What's it going to take for get you to trust in God's plan? He has already done so many amazing signs, why are you being so stubborn about this? God told you that He was going to be with you, and you still doubt... seriously??" 

And as soon as I thought these things about Moses, I realized that I myself have a lot in common with him. When God asks me to do something, or maybe He only asks of me to wait, I complain and doubt. Yes, I am very much so like Moses. I doubt in God's plan for me. I doubt even though I know He is all-mighty. I doubt even though I see his miracles.

So how do we overcome our own doubt and fear in God's plan? Good question, I wish I knew the answer too it, but what I do know that we have to go to God and be real with Him. I think we have to lay everything (our fears, worries, excuses, etc.) out on the table and let Him help us. We can't do it on our own.

Today, that is my goal, to complain about my worries LESS, and to trust Him with them MORE. Who's with me?? 

Could you relate to this poem? Has God ever asked you to do something you didn't feel like you could, or wanted too? What did you think of the song I included? 

Talk to me in the comments! (P.S. This is my 80th post!!! Any ideas to celebrate when I reach my 100th post??)

Mind Over Matter, Trust Over Fear

Good morning, afternoon, or night... wherever you are in the world! For today's post, I am going to be talking about my theme struggle. Basically, most of my devotions and poems are around this topic, because I am constantly struggling with it. It is my hope that you are able to apply this post to whatever you may be going through right now.

Last Wednesday I posted a poem (to read it, click HERE) talking about trusting and obeying in God's leading even when you feel inadequate for the job. To me, that poem was just a plea asking God to help me trust Him more with the unknowns in my life. Because I am still learning how to surrender my plans, my worries, my fears, etc. over to God. In this post, I am very real and sort of blunt. With that being said, this post is also very close to my heart and the main reason I am sharing it today is because I feel that this is a message that someone needs to hear.

~*~ 

Last year, we went on a vacation to Florida. On that vacation, my Dad spontaneously suggested that my family go parasailing (I mean, we are on a trip, so that means we must do something EPIC!) #havingadadwholikesadventure 

My first reaction was thinking these things: 
“Um, no thanks!”
“Count me out.” 
“Not really my thing.” 
“I’m not that adventurous.” 
“Turtles and dolphins, sure. But FISH! SHARKS! JELLYFISH!???”
“No, no, and NO! 

Yeah, so parasailing was way outside of my comfort zone. It was unknown to me because I had never ever done anything like it before. To be honest, I’d rather not get eaten by a hungry shark! So, to play it safe, I was planning on not going and just watching my little sister and dad do it. 

But my “play it safe” plan soon changed as I got to thinking. I started wondering if it could end up being fun, and by playing it safe, would I miss out on a super fun activity? Would I look back on that vacation and wish I had stepped out of my comfort zone and just went parasailing? After all, you are attached to the boat! What could go wrong? (Of course, multiple things to do with sharks and jellyfish popped into my head, but sometimes you have to stop yourself when you start to make up detailed stories of what could go wrong. Because that is what they are—made up…) 

Eventually, I decided to give it a try. We ended up finding a place that did parasailing, and reserved a spot for the next day. That night, I was getting really nervous and almost backed out, but me and my older sister were going to do it together (Who knew you could go two at a time!), so that made me feel a little better. 

The next morning, we arrived at the place, and I was crossing my fingers that it would go smoothly. But then, I saw a video of some other people parasailing. And in that video, they were really close to the water, like, um, their feet were in the water! Now I was really nervous, I did NOT want to get dragged in the water! 

Thankfully, for the rest of the “adventure,” I was able to let go of my worry and really enjoy myself. Mind you, I was praying very earnestly!

The boat ride was fast and bumpy, which was really fun, and we saw mama and baby DOLPHINS! The actual parasailing was a blast! Once you were up in the air, it was amazing to see so much from that far up! We saw all sorts of jellyfish and even sharks up there… (my dad and little sister even saw a sea turtle!) It was both scary and so much fun! We did get put down in the water for a second before the ride was over, but it was a short time (only long enough for me to get a mouthful of salt water from screaming/squealing!)

After it was over, I was SO glad I had gone! We even bought the picture packet, so we have proof that we went parasailing and survived!  

Have you ever let fear control a decision? Have you ever just “played it safe” and stayed in you comfort zone? That zone where you don’t have to rely on your Trust in God? 

^^ I know I have definitely answered affirmatively to each of those questions before. It’s hard to not fear the unknown. That is so human nature, isn’t it though? 

I think so many times we stay in that place where we are comfortable. We don’t want to step out because there are too many “what if’s.” If we are uncertain of the outcome, we most likely won’t push ourselves out of that constricting comfort zone. And one of the reasons why we do this, is because we put our trust in ourselves all too often when we should be putting our trust in the capable hands of God. 

When we trust only ourselves, our comfort zone is controlled by how we feel. We know what we are capable of doing from past experiences, and when there is something new (like going parasailing) we worry and doubt in our ability, letting our comfort zones hold us back. We are the ones who have created our comfort zones. 

When we trust God, there is no such thing as a comfort zone. If we truly are surrendering our worry over to God, and letting Him control the outcome of a certain situation, then there is no comfort zone to hold us back. We only trust and obey. 

As hard as it is, I think it is so important to NOT let our fear and comfort zones control us. Because if we let this happen, we would never grow. It’s like exercising: no pain, no gain. If you never work your muscles, you will not get stronger. Sure, you will be sore in the "growing" process, sometimes it’s down right painful. But in the end, you are stronger because of it. 

Likewise, if we never exercise stepping out of are comfort zones, those boundaries we set for ourselves will never get bigger, only smaller. Yes, it will be scary. It might be terrifying. You might take a chance, and it won’t work out right. It’s not guaranteed to work out perfectly. But by stepping out of your comfort zone, you will learn and you will grow because of it! 

Don’t be confined to the boxes, labels, and comfort zones you put yourself in. Comfort zones might feel safe, but trust me, they aren’t. If anything they are dangerous. Because by having a comfort zone that somehow “justifies” not doing something that God has put in His will for you, you are saying that you trust yourself over God. 

God has a perfect plan for you. He promises to be with you through it all, but our comfort zones act as barriers that the Enemy has placed in our way to slow down God’s plan. 

So if I know this truth, why do I still let my comfort zone control me with fear? I don’t know. But what I do know it that I want to get better at saying “no” to my comfort zone and saying “yes” to my trust in God alone. WE are all a work-in-progress. And I will be the first to admit that I let my fear and comfort zone (that I, myself, have created) to make my decisions for me. Not all the time, like when I went parasailing, but a whole lot of other times I have decided to opt out of something because I was scared. 

I can tell myself all that I want, but the truth is the truth. 

I can say: I am a introvert, I’m too quiet, or that I’m so awkward. These are “boxes” that I use as excuses (and most of the time I use them negatively.) The thing is, maybe I am some of these, but these adjectives are not my identity. My identity is found through Jesus Christ. 

The real truth is: I am chosen, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I am His. This is who I am. 

I’m not saying that we should never use the words that put us in labeled boxes to describe our personalities, I’m saying we should not use these words to define who we are as children of God. We are all so unique and original. 

So I am encouraging each of you (and me) to trust God with your future and decision making. Listen to His voice, not your own voice that lets the comfort zone rule you. Pray about it, and then if you are persuaded that it is what God is prompting you to do, take that step of faith. 

Trust that He will be with you every step of the way.  
Trust that He will be your Guide.  
Trust that He will be with you if you fall. 
Trust that He will be with you to pick you up when you do.

Because if we trust in ourselves and rely on our own fears, we will never know God’s outstanding plan-- the plan that blows our comfort zones clear out of the water! His plan is so much greater and so much better than we could ever begin to understand! 

Here are a couple pictures of our parasailing adventure!

Psalm 18:30-32

"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."

Do you struggle with letting your fear stop you from taking that step of faith? (You're not alone!) What do you do when you want to trust God but can't let go? How have you stepped out of your comfort zone this week? How can I pray for you? Even if it is a silent request, let me know and I will definitely be praying! 

Lets talk in the comments below! <3

For You, Lord // A Poem

For You, Lord

Written by Brooklyne 

How far would I go for You, Lord?

How much would I suffer for You? 

How long will I be faithful to You? 

How much would I give for You? 

Would I travel 9,429 miles, for You? 

To be a light, the salt of the earth

To stop looking at me and start looking at You

Telling those I’m around about Your goodness and mercy

Will I take that leap of faith, for You? 

Way outside of my comfort zone 

For a chance to be Your hands and feet

To a place of my fear and unknown

Would I stop doubting and start having faith, for You? 

Then I could stop fearing the giants 

And start hearing your calm reassurance

Listening only to your promise that You will never leave me

Is it truly the Cry of My Heart to follow You?

When following You means being different

When following You means surrendering self

When following You means Your will, not mine

~*~

How far would I go for You, Lord? 

How far would I go it to bring one person closer to You?

How far will I take up my cross and follow you? 

How far will I be a soldier, for You?

Lord, please give me what it takes to travel 1,000,000,000,000+ miles, for You

Give me the strength for when I suffer for Your names sake

Give me courage when I step out of my comfort zone, following Your will 

Give me words, when I have none 

Lord, please give me what it takes to serve You 

Give me comfort when I’m hurting

Give me calmness and peace when I’m frazzled

Give me enough faith to trust in Your plan

Lord, take away my selfishness and worldly ambitions 

Take away my doubt in Your plan

Take away my worry that things will go wrong

Take away my fretting

Lord, take away sinful nature that always is searching to satisfy

Take away my bad habits that cripple me to do Your work

Take away fear of the unknown

Take away my stubborn micromanaging 

~*~ 

Lord, I know you will give me my every need

For look at the Lillies of the Field.

Help me to trust in your faithfulness.

Be my guide and my strength. 

So when I wonder how far I will go for You,

Remind me how far you went for me.

You left Your throne for me

You suffered for me

Lord, You came to this earth to die for me.

Because You love me

Because You care

Because You are faithful

Jesus, thank You for all You have gone through… for me. 

This poem is very raw and has special meaning to me. I wrote this because I was inspired by a friend when I saw how God was working in her life. 

So in a way, this poem is dedicated to her. <3

 This poem talks about following and obeying God's guidance even when we don't necessarily feel ready or don't feel good enough for the calling. But I think we have to realize that we don't have to be ready in order for God to work in our lives and in others. He want's us to come to Him now. Even when we don't feel ready. Even when we don't feel good enough, because God is enough. And it's when we feel like we can't make much of a different when God really shows you that indeed, you can.

Maybe God is calling you to witness to someone right now. So I'm encouraging you to take that step of faith and give it to God. Send that text. Smile to that person who always looks lonely. Talk to that friend. Write that Bible verse on a sticky note. Play that musical instrument. Be that light for Him. Because no matter how small the light, a bright light can be seen from thousands of miles.

The opportunities are endless when we let God write our story! So let Him. 

Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and 

glorify your Father in heaven."

Because this poem was deep, was it hard to understand? (Sorry if it was, sometimes you just have to write what's on your heart even if it doesn't make much sense...) How are ways that we can shine His light to those around us? 

What has God been teaching you this week? 

Share your thoughts in the comments! <3