I opened my 2014 Making Things Happen Powersheets, written by Lara Casey, on Christmas morning (so excited!). Soon after the New Year my family and I went on a mini-vacation to the beach. It was the perfect time to open the pristine package of papers, reflect and put my pen to paper. Almost immediately I was prompted to face the things holding me back from how I imagined my life. It was clear that I harbored fear in my heart. Fear of loss and grief, fear of an imperfect career plan, fear of failure.
One morning during the trip I decided to go for a run and clear my head. I ran methodically looking at the ocean until quite suddenly, a memory from my childhood played in my mind.
One morning during the trip I decided to go for a run and clear my head. I ran methodically looking at the ocean until quite suddenly, a memory from my childhood played in my mind.
As a little girl I ventured into the waves with my brother. The object of the game we played was to stand your ground as the waves came and try to remain standing when it crashed on you. I dug my tiny toes into the muddy sand of the Gulf, braced myself with ferocious courage and yelled, “Come on waves! Come at me!” Many times the waves would roll over me with minimal jostling. But inevitably a wave would come along that picked me up by the back of my swimsuit and threw me tumbling to the shore. I would stand up with wide eyes, spitting out salt water and gasping for air. Then, I would laugh, smile and trudge my way back for another wave.
Wasn’t I afraid as I practically encouraged waves to knock me down? Did I fear what would happen if I fell back in the water? Did I fear for who would help me if I had trouble standing up?
Not a bit. I trusted my strength and the safety of my parents behind me on the shore.
Coming back to my 21-year-old self, I realized I wasn’t embracing the crashing of the waves anymore. A year ago in Puerto Rico I prayed to be transformed, to be broken down and rebuilt as a woman of His word. He answered my prayers and the waves came swift and fierce. I fell. So hard. Now I stood on the shore, scared and paralyzed.
A life of fear is not a life I would like to lead. Now I’m on a mission to regain my child-like faith. I want to stand among the waves and shout for His wonderful, mighty hand in my life.
“So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10
Wasn’t I afraid as I practically encouraged waves to knock me down? Did I fear what would happen if I fell back in the water? Did I fear for who would help me if I had trouble standing up?
Not a bit. I trusted my strength and the safety of my parents behind me on the shore.
Coming back to my 21-year-old self, I realized I wasn’t embracing the crashing of the waves anymore. A year ago in Puerto Rico I prayed to be transformed, to be broken down and rebuilt as a woman of His word. He answered my prayers and the waves came swift and fierce. I fell. So hard. Now I stood on the shore, scared and paralyzed.
A life of fear is not a life I would like to lead. Now I’m on a mission to regain my child-like faith. I want to stand among the waves and shout for His wonderful, mighty hand in my life.
“So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10
Needless to say I ran with a stronger stride for the remainder of my run. I have since completed my PowerSheets prep and started my commitment to the six months of goal planning. I look forward to standing in the waves and facing my fears in the upcoming months. I am also looking forward to focusing my time and energy on the things that truly matter. Because Mama told me I should write these things down (and she knows best) I will continue sharing my MTH2014 journey here…