Fear: The Irrelevant Factor
As a blogger I am often asked how I got so comfortable being in front of a camera. The truth is that I’ve always been terrified of having my picture taken and one of the main reasons that I started my blog was to confront my fear of being photographed.
Every time I would step in front of a camera my palms would sweat and my lips would quiver as I tried to hide the fear. I use to have minor panic attacks after publishing my articles because the thought of having someone be able to critique my content made me sick to my stomach. However, instead of letting fear and anxiety control me, I chose to push past my insecurity.
Photography by Carmen Henry Photography
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.”
Necklace: Banana Republic
Coat: Anne Klein / Shirt: Thrifted / Jeans: Topshop / Shoes: Zara
Often times we measure ourselves based upon our first try at something. As a result, a large majority of us end up quitting before we have even begun. In my eyes the beginning is not necessarily the first try. We begin once we have decided to pursue something fully; beyond our first attempts. Only then do we give ourselves time to mature into our strengths and identify our weaknesses.
Living in Chicago I meet successful people all the time. It would be easy for me to feel inferior to them and allow comparisons to stop me from believing that I too have the ability to be successful, but I recently came to the conclusion that I deserve a spot at their table. The bible says in Proverbs 18:16 that, “A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men”. We must believe this scripture and measure the weight that it holds in regards to us pursuing our God given assignments. Fear will try and stop you from believing that you are called to do what God has placed on your heart to do. Maybe your degree doesn’t qualify you for the job that you want; so what. God’s favor can take you places that your résumé cannot. It’s all about what you believe about yourself that makes others believe in you too. I’m going to give you the challenge of doing one thing you’re afraid of each week. Put yourself in environments that you don’t feel like you fit into and watch God make up the difference in all of your shortcomings.
Inspiration for this post was based on my own battle with fear. This song by Steffany Gretzinger is one of the most beautiful reminders that there is no reason be afraid! I hope that it blesses you.
