Yesterday I wrote about how we are each important and have unique stories. But what do you do if you are afraid to share?
Maybe you think your words don’t matter when there are so many voices speaking out today. You wonder if your writing could encourage anyone when you feel so small and unqualified? Fear tries to paralyze you.
When Afraid, Turn to God
I’m here to tell you that no matter how insignificant you think your words might be, there is a place for them. Someone might need to read exactly what you write. Yes, it can be hard. Sometimes I hesitate, because I’m not sure if I’m ready to share.
Then I spend time talking to God, asking for wisdom to know what to say.
The words don’t always come right away, but I have peace that they will at the right time. We don’t need to be afraid if we are trusting God to take our small offering and make it an encouragement to someone else.
Five years ago, when I first started blogging I was a bit timid. I was unknown in the blogging world and wondered if anyone would ever read what I wrote. At first I was just going to share stories and photos from our homestead. I knew my daughters would be interested, and I wanted to encourage them.
It didn’t take long before I saw that my blog could be a place to encourage others, especially other women. I wanted to share what I had learned and point others to the God I love and worship.
Friends Help Us Work Past Fear
In my early days of blogging, one of the things that really helped me get past my fear was the encouragement of friends. They read my work, gave advice, and urged me to keep going.
Nowadays I have friends who continually pray for me and I them. When we feel stuck and the words won’t come, we reach out to each other with a specific prayer request. We help each other push past the fear to share what is on our hearts.
We also give feedback when needed, especially if we feel like something is missing in the post we are writing.
Bouncing ideas off each other helps us to clarify our thoughts and give us a better picture of what we want to say. Sometimes we actually get on Skype and pray aloud with each other since we don’t live close enough to do it in person.
Proverbs 27:9
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
This is Day 2 of the Five Minute Friday 31 Days of Writing. The prompt is the word afraid.
I’m linking up with: #TeaAndWord, #TrekkingThru
These words: “You wonder if your writing could encourage anyone when you feel so small and unqualified? Fear tries to paralyze you.” Oh yes, Gayl! I’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt. 🙂 It still strikes out of the blue sometimes. Fear is like that. It haunts us, whispers we’re a fraud and that nobody will be interested in our work. But as faith writers and women of God, we have hope even if the “evidence” we can see (stats/followers/subscribers/readership) might suggest otherwise. Fear might seek to stall us but God reminds us it’s actually about faithfulness to create and share, active listening and being inspired by Him. Not about performance. Intriguingly, my topic today is about fear as well! Blessings on the work of your hands to His praise and glory. Keep on keeping on, dear friend. Your words matter far more than you may know. Love and hugs! xoxo <3
You’re right, Joy. Fear can just come right out of the blue. I’m so glad that we do have hope because of our relationship with God. And our faithfulness is what counts whether or not we get a certain amount of readers. Sometimes the message we write is for ourselves even if no one else reads it. I’m thankful that God can take our small offerings and always gives us grace. Thank you so much for your continued encouragement, Joy. I appreciate you! Blessings, love and hugs to you, my dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
Your post resonates so much with me. Stepping forward in spite of fear.
Fear itself can be crippling and it is an effective tool used by the enemy to keep us from embracing our purpose.
Having the support and encouragement of others is so very much needed.
Thank you for your encouraging comments, Lureta. Fear can definitely be crippling if we let it. It is hard to step forward and work through the fear, but the more we trust in God, the more we learn to depend on Him. I’m so thankful for His grace and for loving friends. Blessings to you!
I love these! You are such an inspiration.
Aw, Karen, thank you so much! It’s nice to be an inspiration. Blessings and love to you! xo
Dear Gayl, I am so thankful for the encouragment and inspiration you have brought to me! What a blessing to be able to pray for each other, and to share our words back & forth. And what a gift to be able to remind each other that God has given us His strong Spirit within us, when the fear threatens to overtake us. Thank you for sharing your words and your heart sweet friend! xoxo
Dear Bettie,
I feel the same way. It is such a blessing to be able to pray together and encourage each other. You are such a blessing to me and I appreciate you so much. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister! xoxo
You’ve hit the nail on the head!!! Tears came to my eyes as I read this because you’ve described the struggle I’ve been experiencing. Your encouraging words are echoing a message I feel God is wanting me to hear so know that He used you to speak to me today! Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Cindy
Oh, Cindy, I’m so glad God used my words to encourage you today! That blesses my heart. Fear can really stop us in our tracks, but we all need to remember that God is bigger. If He calls us to something He will give us what we need to do it and will also be right there with us. Blessings to you!
Your inspired and free artwork is stunning!!!
Tammy, thank you so much! I have not had time to comment yet, but I have read your first two days. I love your poetry!
Blessings to you!
Yes! I’m thankful that we can all support one another and move past the fear.
I’m so glad to have people in my life in person and online who can support and pray. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to encourage each other and help to move past the fear. Many blessings to you, dear Tara! xo
I used to try and take all the advice on how to grow my blog, still do to some extent, but I find when I do that I lose “me” in my story. I loved reading your words today as they ring so true. Very often I wonder if any of it is helping anyone, and as much as I hope and pray it does, I also know that a good part of my blogging is for me. Thank you for sharing today.
Your FMF 31-day neighbor #5.
I know what you mean, Maxine. If I try too hard to follow all the advice I lose myself and my purpose for writing. I think if we trust God and follow His leading our words will help someone, even if it is just for us. Blessings to you! I will try to visit you today.
Thanks, Gayl, for your words of encouragement. I get blocked up over and over again with my writing. I enjoy your words and art, and hope I can share some words again soon – if they can help somebody.
I’m so glad you were encouraged, Lisa. It’s really easy to get blocked up with writing. I pray that God will give you words to share again soon. You are a blessing and inspiration through your writing and the photos and stories you share. May God bless you richly! Love and hugs to you, dear Lisa. xo