As we bravely go to where no woman has gone before (into the year 2016), it can totally be a fearful time of the unknown. As I have been reflecting back of the past year and think back to hurt, pain, successes, joys, laughter, happiness, I also look forward and am slightly fearful of the future. 

We are in the midst of parenting a toddler and a preschooler. I fear that I won’t make it through the day with them and that they will not known Christ as their Savior. My husband’s main job is a commission-based job and who knows how we will make it financially each month or even how long we will be in this job/city. I fear the financial struggle and how we are going to make ends meet and how long we will be in this position of reliance on others. I am trying to start doing more of my handlettering, art, and photography because I want to (and doing it as a business). I fear I will not be excellent at what I do and will then look stupid or just awful compared to other people. I fear hurt in relationships because I’ve been hurt before – so community is something I long for but it is very hard to come by. 

There is much to fear: the future, the unknown, more hurt, rejection, failure. I could go on because I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. But, fear is something we don’t like to talk about because it makes us look wear or we will get scolded. Ladies, confess that fear. Speak it and love on the Word that speaks truth into your heart so you can trust. 

If you fear the future: speak Jeremiah 29:11-13 into your heart: the God has a plan for your wholeness and that He will be found by you if you seek him wholeheartedly!

If you fear the unknown: remind yourself that you are loved and known by the God who created the Word and has been forever and will never change (Hebrews 1, 13, James 1, Genesis 1).

If you fear hurt: remind yourself that God blesses those who mourn and shed tears (Luke 6:17-21)

If you fear rejection: remind yourself that Jesus – the one who died for you and saves your soul and loves you – was rejected ultimately by men and faced rejection from his Father so He could die for you (all the gospels at the end of the them).

If you fear failure: well, most of that is fear of man, and God says we are to fear him alone. There are countless Scriptures that tell us not to fear.

Oh, ladies – wherever you are in your life as a momma, wife, woman, bosslady, friend, grandma – know that God delights in your trust. He delights in your bringing your whole heart – fear and all – to him as He loves you and breathes life into you.