Marianne Williamson writes in her book A Return To Love, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us."

Two weeks ago today, I alllmooost hit "cancel" instead of "post" when Fear whispered into my ear that my new website wasn't worth launching.

"Why are you even doing this?" came the first subtle assault.

"Who are you to share all of this?  No one is going to care about what you have to say," came the second.

"You're going to look like an arrogant self-promoting fool.  Close up shop.  The site's not perfect anyway," Fear hissed.

I'm so glad I didn't listen to Fear. 

Not just for me, but for you!

So many of you have contacted me over the past two weeks to let me know that one of my songs or posts encouraged you in a big way.

You guys, Fear is a punk.

Fear will intimate that you're unworthy of creating anything because that song or book or business venture that you're dreaming up or tinkering on isn't perfect.

That's such a lie!

I want you to consider this amazing truth from one of my favorite verses in Scripture instead:

"For we are God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  (Paul, Ephesians 2:10, New Living Translation)

We may see ourselves as broken, jacked-up, tarnished pieces of junk from time to time - because we've believed Fear's subtle lies for so long - but God sees us as a masterpiece.

He looks at you - and me - and says, "I want her.  That priceless work of art hiding in the attic.  She's the one.  Here's everything I have.  I've got the perfect place for her.  I'll take him over there, too."

I believe God sees your potential - and mine - and is eagerly waiting to see us discover and realize what He already knows to be true.

If you sense Fear slyly sidling up next to you and hear it telling you that you're a failure and that whatever you're wanting to put out into the world isn't worth sharing, try doing this instead:

  • Remind Fear who's in charge.  When you've created something you believe in but you're tempted to hit "cancel" instead of "post" or "publish" or "share," don't hold out on us.  Fear, I've learned, scampers away, whimpering, when I've removed its power.  You can do the same.
  • Remind yourself of who God says you are.  When you feel like a failure or a fraud, shine God's light on those lies.  You'll be surprised how quickly they shut up.  I like listening to some of the reading plans that the YouVersion Bible app offers when I have some quiet windshield time.  Remember:  you're His masterpiece, flaws and all.
  • Remind us of the creative passions inside of you.  I, for one, want to see the hidden talent you've got within you.  One of my favorite gifts I ever received from a Straight No Chaser fan is a beautiful work of cut glass that looks just like the cover art of one of our albums.  It's in my office to this day (thanks, Kim!).  Whether you're an introvert or painful extravert like me (HI THERE!  LET'S BE FRIENDS!), a believer or a skeptic, old or young, show us what you got!

What have you heard Fear whispering in your ear today - and what was your reply?  Drop me a line and let me know.

If something resonated with you today, feel free to share it with a friend who could use some encouragement.

Thanks for reading.

-Ryan