There Is No Fear In Love

Everyday a pendant hangs from my necklace that says, "There is no fear in love," an excerpt from one of my favorite bible verses (1John 4:18). You see, I need this reminder to help me fight my worst enemy- myself. I am my greatest obstacle and barrier to success. If I have a goal or ambition, I have always found a loophole or  risk involved to help talk me out of stepping out of my comfort zone. It's an instinctual defense mechanism in overdrive that has always been my greatest foe.

However, what I am learning each and every day is that I have within me the strength to be more. If I have a desire to accomplish a feat, be it big or small, then I have some level of dedication and love for it. Where there is love, there shall be no fear, for fear involves torment (as the Bible verse later goes on to say). The hangover from letting go of a dream is proof of that turmoil. There is truly no greater disappointment than that which one can feel for themselves while viewing the road never traveled and wondering what it may have lead to. Inasmuch, there is also no greater feeling than reaching the end of a windy path that started in a scary wood, only to pour out to a beautiful, open meadow that no one else had ever laid eyes on.

In four months time, I have slowly forced fear to loosen its grasp on my throat.  I have left a secure position at work because I had reached a stalemate and was no longer happy. I let myself take a leap of faith and take a position in the field I have been trained in and am content in my work now. That decision transformed my happiness in the workplace. I have since also fought tooth and nail for what I love, even when it would have been easier to let go. True love knows no bounds and I am learning that though it may not always be easy, it is always, always, worth the effort. My dream of becoming a music journalist has somehow sprouted in a small, yet not insignificant way. If this passion never takes flight farther than it has today, I can rest happy, knowing that my love for this art has been shared in a way that I am proud of. In a matter of days, I will be throwing caution to the wind-literally- and jumping off a mountain with a professional paraglider, trusting that our parachute will catch at the right moment.I've never been so frightened and excited in anticipation!

The best part in all of this- I'm not afraid anymore. I may have moments of doubt or concern, but my heart has matured and helped me realize that what I was most at risk for was missing out on life itself. No more standing in the background and admiring from afar. I want in, rain or shine, thunder, lightning, or snow. I'm all in. I'm madly in love with this life and I've been told that perfect love casts out fear (the body of that perfect verse). With God by my side, and perfect love in my heart, what can stand against me?

Nothing.