Leader's Who Walk to the Edge

Something has changed in me this year.  For the good. 

I think I had gotten a bit too comfortable with the status quo.  At my very core, I'm a girl who prefers things to stay the same.  At my home, if a picture gets hung on the wall, it stays there until we move.  My closet is filled with clothes I've worn for years decades.  (Providing I can still fit in it - ahem)

Over the years, I've discovered that there's actually something deeper than a desire to stay the same.  It's fear. 

That fear would take the lead if I let it.  But when I invited Jesus to be my Lord, fear had to step aside.  There's really only room for one leader in my life.   I had to decide who I would actually follow:  Jesus or fear.  Actually, it's a decision I make daily.

Every "good" Christian girl looks at those two options and rolls her eyes thinking: of course she should choose Jesus.  Is it even a choice?

I think that too.  But then I find myself playing it safe.  I find my prayers being cautious.  I find myself holding a bit too tightly to one of my children.   I discard a bold idea.  Basically, I choose to follow fear over Jesus. 

This year, I attended the Evangelical Press Association's annual conference and got myself shaken up.  I'm not sure that was their intent, but it certainly was God's.  God poured fresh ideas into my head, until I was bubbling over.  I came home and organized my thoughts, and started pursuing some crazy ideas for Proverbs 31.  I can only thank God for such godly women leading that organization (Lysa TerKeurst, Renee Swope and LeAnn Rice) who are allowing me to pursue these bold ideas.

Today, Lysa wrote a devotion called "Praying for the Impossible."  She then invited readers to her website where she has a video of her interviewing Pastor Steven Furtick from Charlotte.  This pastor is bold!  And Lysa is giving away a copy of his book "Sun Stand Still" - so hop on over there after finishing my blog - cause I've got a giveaway too.

I realized something after watching that video.  I'm drawn to leaders who walk to the edge.  I want to be around people who are sold out for Christ.  I want more of that in my own life ... and choosing to be around others who want the same, ignites something in me.  It's good, but it's the opposite of fear. And it's prompted some radical changes in my life this year. 

How about you?  What dream or vision has God put in your heart?   Are you pursuing it boldly or has fear taken the lead?

I don't have a copy of Pastor Steven's book, but I do have a copy of Jennifer Kennedy Dean's "Live a Praying Life" to give away.    Post a dream God has put on your heart, and on Friday morning, I'll select at random someone to receive this book.  Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you.

Thank you for being my friends.  I'm inspired to press on every time I hear from one of you.

In His Love,

Glynnis

Victory and healing is just around the corner

Yesterday I walked in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  It was my first time doing anything for breast cancer research, treatments and cures.  And it was an amazing experience. 

In spite of the sadness that lurks behind every pink shirt, and "In memory of" sign, there was infectious joy.  Perhaps it was a fresh embracement of life, a celebration of family and a resurgence of hope.   But really, there is comfort in know we are all in this together.

We share fallen less-than-perfect bodies, we share grief, we share fear.  And together those devastating emotional experiences have less power over us.

So yesterday, I walked in honor of my sister Helen Ann, who just finished her breast cancer treatment a few weeks ago, and my friends Candy and Jackie - two younger women who are survivors.  Plus, I walked in memory of my sweet cousin Monnie, who lost her fight with breast cancer a few years ago.



Some members of my small group.  Jackie, in pink, is a survivor!
Candy wasn't there, but her husband John (tall guy in back)
and daughter Brianna (middle) walked.

 I also walked in celebration of God's deliverance of my fear over breast cancer.  As a young women in my 20s I had two breast biopsies for benign lumps.  Since then, I've been vigilant, and fearful of any of the fibrocystic changes in my own breasts.  Plus, I dreaded October - knowing breast cancer awareness was going to be everywhere. 

Eight years ago, an unusual lump sent me into a tailspin, which was a culmination of years of fear.  For two weeks, until testing revealed it was nothing, I was a mess.  I couldn't eat; I couldn't sleep.  It was an unnatural oppression of fear.  And all my mature-Christian thinking couldn't get me out of it. 

I told my friends I was having tests, and I asked for prayers.  Plus, I prayed non-stop.  But I got no relief from the fear.

My, my niece Victoria and
my little sister Liz

Finally, through my husband's wisdom, God showed me that He gave me the answer in a dream just the previous month.  In the dream, I was standing in my kitchen with all my cabinets in a mess, doors broken off and contents strewn all over.  Even the wall had been knocked out.  I walked to where the wall once stood and looked out at black storm clouds coming my way.  I knew I had to get out of there, and I got on my hands and knees and crawled through a cage, until I entered someone else's house and was safe.

I had that dream weeks before the breast cancer scare, and couldn't understand its meaning.  But in an instant, God revealed it:   In order to escape the storm, I had to humble myself.

But Lord, I said.  I have humbled myself before You!  I've confessed all my fear.

He answered me:   Now confess it to others. Humble yourself before others.

God gave me James 5:16 as the healing for my fear:

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  James 5:16 NIV

Finish line!

Was the fear my sin?  No.  Fear wasn't my sin.  Not being honest about the depth of my fear was my sin.  I immediately called a few people and in between sobs, confessed how afraid I was.

The healing was truly miraculous.  And I have never been the same.  I have never been held captive by fear again over my heath.  

So I did my own little victory walk yesterday.  And it felt really good.  Praise God!

In His Love,
Glynis

More on Hearing God's Voice & a Winner

Thank you so much for sharing your heart with me the past few days as a result of my devotion on hearing God's voice.  

It seems many of us long to have specific direction from God about our plans.  I wonder if this isn't increasingly due to the number of choices we have these days.  I can stand in front of the deodorant display for 15 minutes!   I am often on information overload, and an tired of making decisions.

I think there's also a common fear that we will make a mistake and follow our own sinful inclinations.  That's possible.   A sweet friend (thanks Sharon S.) gave me a devotion book that I've started reading.  It's called "Experiencing God Day by Day" and it's by Henry and Richard Blackaby. 

Yesterday the devotion spoke directly to my heart about this.  Specifically about a difficult relationship in my life; one I can't walk away from.  Nor do I want to.  It's my daughter Ruth, who was born in Africa and sadly deals with many challenging issues that often overwhelm me, to the point of despair.  So I find myself frequently and desperately seeking God's direction on how to respond and what to do next to help her grow into a godly woman.  Sadly, my responses are not always a good role model for her.

The devotion yesterday was based on Psalm 24:3-4a:  "Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?  Or who may stand in His holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart."

I was convicted right down to my toes.  God challenged me to examine the deepest reaches of my heart and confess sin regarding my thoughts, words and actions.  I was undone.  Even though God spoke to me gently, it was still tough.  Here's the takeaway for me:

If I want to walk in intimacy with the Lord and hear His voice, I need to be sure that I'm not harboring any unconfessed sin. 

Even though the promise of walking closer with God is amazing, it's still hard to dig in deep and pull out those thoughts I'd rather pretend weren't there. 

So that's what God spoke to me this morning.  It's not easy. It's uncomfortable.  It's embarrassing at times.  But it's a journey.  And I'm choosing to focus my eyes ahead and keep on walking.

__________________________________________________________________

Now, on to the winner of Lysa's book. 

There were so many deserving comments that I decided to generate a random number (http://www.random.org/), and it was 60.  So the 60th post is the winner, which is Robyn. 

Min: 1
Max: 151
Result:  60
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

However, as I double checked the comments to make sure I counted right, I realized that somehow Robyn's comments posted twice.  I'm sure that was a bloggy glitch.  But, I decided to give a book to the 60th person as well as the 60th post.  And that winner is Joyce Ashley.  

If both winners will contact me personally (editor@proverbs31.org), I'll get your addresses and get your books mailed out.

Thanks so much for for joining me on this journey. It's an honor to be your sister and friend.

In His Love,

Glynnis

10 Tips for Overcoming Fear for Your Kids’ Well-Being

Do you stay awake worrying about your kids? Even when they are safe in bed? It seems like there is so much more to worry about these days.

As a parent of five, one who is driving and another one about to drive, I've dealt with lots of fear over my kids' safety. In fact, I know my fear has kept my kids from doing some pretty great things in the past. One of my biggest regrets is not pursuing my oldest son's interest in a mission trip to Honduras. Instead of helping him figure out how to make it happen, I voiced my fears and he dropped the issue. The pain of regret is lasting.

My friend and author, Grace Fox has faced fear head-on, and has some really great helps for those of us who deal with fear. In fact, she's written an entire book on dealing with fear, called "Moving From Fear to Freedom." Today, Grace is sharing some specific tips for mom on dealing with fear.

10 Tips for Overcoming the Fear for Your Kids’ Well-Being
By Grace Fox

1. When it’s a safety issue, take necessary precautions and then let them go with a positive send-off and a little prayer. Be careful what you say – fearful moms breed fearful kids.

2. Tell God how you feel. (Remember – He already knows, anyway!)

3. Tell a friend who will pray for/with you. You’re not alone!

4. Refuse to dwell on the fearful thoughts and what-ifs. Instead…

5. Fill your mind with the truth of God’s Word. Focus on His promises rather than on your fears.

6. Praise God for who He is. Fear fades when we understand His character.

7. Pray for your child’s spiritual well-being. For example, ask God to grant him the “fear of the Lord,” for that’s where wisdom begins. Ask God to give him the strength to resist temptation, and to catch him when he doesn’t resist.

8. Pray for the spiritual well-being of your child’s friends. Invite them to your home, and get to know their parents.

9. Actively encourage your children’s spiritual growth through age-appropriate Christian magazines, DVDs, music CDs, and regular (fun-filled) family devotions.

10. Get involved in a ministry geared for moms. Examples include Proverbs 31, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), MIT (Moms in Touch), and Hearts at Home.

Here's some more about Grace:

Grace Fox is a popular speaker at international women’s events and the author of four books including Moving From Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation and the devotional 10-Minute Time Outs for You and Your Kids. She’s also the national co-director of International Messengers Canada, a ministry that offers creative short-term and career ministry opportunities in Eastern Europe. Grace and her husband have three grown children and two grandchildren. Read more about Grace at http://www.gracefox.com/. She can be reached by e-mail at grace@gracefox.com.

In His Love,

Glynnis