And Hope Arises....

 

 

And Hope Arises.....

 

 

I'm having a hard time finding the words to explain how I'm feeling today. Last night I did a hop, skip, jump, and then a triple back flip out of my comfort zone. I've struggled with anxiety, including social anxiety, for years. In the last year, I've been on a journey of self love and working on living a healthier lifestyle. God has put so many amazing people in my life during this time, and I've been really trying to do what I feel like he's calling me to do. I took a leap of faith and became a Beachbody coach, even though I'm not super fit or a picture of perfection in that area, I listened to a calling that had been pulling on my heart for months and became a youth leader in a local youth group, even though I don't feel qualified, and more recently, I agreed to sing back-up in a concert with my beautiful friend, Stephanie Slaybaugh, even though the thought of standing up on a stage in front of people made me feel like I might have a heart attack and die! All of these things have brought me so much joy and I've gained SO much by giving of myself and serving others!!

 

I love to sing, and God has given me a gift that I've chosen to only use in my kitchen and in my mini van since I quit performing in high school. It felt amazing to get all glammed up last night, something that I rarely do as a stay at home mom. In the last few days I've been feeling so much doubt in my ability. I was terrified that I would ruin the concert for my friend, I was terrified to wear clothes that someone else chose for me, I thought I'd be SO self concious and was SO stressed over my appearance this week. As my friends and I prepared for the show, my anxiety grew, but I began to feel such a peace inside. As I took the stage, I pulled at my clothes, that were amazing, but again, way outside of my comfort zone. My legs and hands trembled, and I was too terrified to look out in the crowd, so I closed my eyes. I closed my eyes and everything melted away. The truth of the matter is that it wasn't about me AT ALL; it was about God. It was about praising God and sharing our gift to move the spirit in others; to give them hope. I forgot about worrying about my hair, my makeup, my clothes, the people in the audience, EVERYTHING, and just focused on WHY I was there. I sang a duet with my best friend and it was terrifying, but such a rush. People told me that I was amazing, but the truth is that God gave me the strength, the courage, and the gift to do what I did last night. All I had to do was be brave enough to let Him use me!

 

I've learned that going outside of our comfort zone only grows us! It's not easy, but I encourage you to pray, and ask God how He wants to use you, and do it, even if it terrifies you; TRY! 

 

  

Shameless plug, check out my beautiful, talented friend on iTunes. Stephanie Slaybaugh. She is changing lives and I am proud to have been a tiny part of her incredible ministry.

 

#andHopeArises #StephanieOfficial