God-sized Dreams by Keri: Do it Afraid {update: she did!}

I asked my dear friend and fellow lover of words Keri to share some thoughts with us. I'm encouraged when I hear Keri's wonderful words out loud on the award-winning radion station KLRC. So I'm thrilled to have them here in black-and-white for all of you to enjoy too!

I was the quiet, shy, awkward kid that did everything in my power to avoid the spotlight. Simply being called on in class to answer a question made me break into an instant cold sweat. And now, sitting in the cafeteria, I was just informed that I would have to spend an entire semester taking a class that would require me to stand up and speak out. Yikes!

The following September I found myself standing on a stage with 20 teenagers and 1 teacher watching me. I was supposed to perform. I don’t remember what I was to perform. All I remember was the absolute terror that gripped my heart.

I remember telling my teacher I was afraid. His response? “Do it afraid!” He told me fear was good, it would heighten my senses and give me a rush of adrenalin that would help my performance.

I promise you it didn’t help. It was awful!!! The only consolation was that I made it to the ladies room before losing my lunch.

But over the weeks something strange began to happen. I started looking forward to my drama class. I even started feeling excited when it was my turn to perform. Don’t get me wrong, I was still scared every time I faced the stairs leading to the stage, but I was learning to manage my fears.

I wound up taking four full years of drama. I joined the competitive drama squad and traveled all over the state competing and winning awards, thank you very much. I loved it!

I still love the stage. In fact, I get paid to be on stage, well… it’s actually a studio, not a stage. But there is a microphone, and there are people watching (listening). Friends ask me how I can do it. They ask if it’s scary to be on the radio every day. Our friend Holley hyperventilates every time I ask her to join me on air! But for me, honestly, it’s not scary. Not now. Because I pushed past the fear. I learned to overcome my anxiety.

Here’s the problem with following Jesus. Every time I find myself relaxing… I find myself stirred. Every time I think I’ve arrived… I realize that I have further to go. You see, God won’t let me quit dreaming. And the dreams just get bigger and scarier. To tell you the truth, it makes me want to run for the hills!

But I can’t. The pull to be with Him is just too strong. And over and over I hear Him whispering… Do it afraid! Push past the fear! Overcome the anxiety! I’m here. I’ll hold your hand. I will catch you if you fall.

I want to settle in and rest here, in this place of comfort. I want to be content. But God isn’t calling us to settle, He’s calling us to follow.

Follow Him into unchartered territory.

Follow Him into new relationships. 

Follow Him in taking risks and chasing dreams.

And He’s calling us to Do It Afraid!

by Keri

 

I'm sharing this post again because Keri did just what she said. She faced her fears and published her first book along with her friend Jennifer. It's titled Undone and you can find it here.

Keri said on her blog this week, "Many times along the way I’ve wanted to just throw in the towel. It’s hard stuff, chasing dreams. Especially big God-Sized dreams....It may be hard, there may be suffering involved, but it is so worth it!"

p.s. If you're facing some rain in life, come on over to the Bloom book club on (in)courage with me this week. Today we're talking about the question, "Where's God in life's storms?"

Would you like to Subscribe by Email?

Comments

[Camille]

Thank you for sharing Keri's words today. They were just what I needed to hear. I am going to go forward and "do it afraid", knowing that He is with me, beside me, holding my hand and that greater is He that is with me, than he who is in the world. Thank you sooo much for your blogs! Have a blessed day!!!

[Beth Werner Lee]

YES! When I toook Oral Interp in college I learned somehow to use the fear to make my voice project and to use that energy for interpreting better. It became so fun I signed up for another class!But it's hard to translate that to my walk with Christ. It's remembering "Lord, this is hard!" doesn't mean "this is wrong," just yes, it's hard but not impossible. What he calls me to, Loving, is best, even if often hard! Thank you for the metaphor. Love it!

[Janet]

I so needed this encouragement today. God is so perfect & His timing is perfect. God Bless you with your work!

[Jackie]

Thanks for sharing.....so encouraging...and so needed. Have a prayer request for someone/job situation....thanks!

[~~Joy]

God's timing is always perfect. We are going through a hurricane in life, not just rain! He continues to give us strength & encouragement & today it's from you. What a gift to hold each other close in prayer. Thank You!

[Karen Jordan]

Amen. For years now, I've been facing my fears to pursue God's higher purpose and calling for my life. Fear still comes against me full force, but I see it as a challenge now. And I ask myself, "Will you follow the voice of fear of faith?" Thanks for the reminder to "Do it afraid!"

[Lyn]

"Do it afraid"...wow...what a concept. Think I need to try it more. Thanks for sharing, Holley.

[Melinda McCray]

"Many times along the way I’ve wanted to just throw in the towel. It’s hard stuff, chasing dreams. Especially big God-Sized dreams....It may be hard, there may be suffering involved, but it is so worth it!"

I loved those words. When i first became a Christian who followed the Lord in relationship I was soooo afraid. Joyce Meyer's book Do it Afraid was a Godsend. Today this post is.

I am in the middle of chasing a big dream. Opening a Christian counseling center. Things are falling into place and I find myself facing fear again. I had a dry season in which I believe the Lord was preparing me. Funny how we pray for something, and then we get fearful. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Kaye]

Thanks so much for sharing this. What an awesome testimony and quote to remember! Will certainly try to 'do it afraid', and think of this when I do!Blessings this Holy Week and always,KayeMatthew 21:22

[Liz..Scotland]

This week has been a valley of tears, my friend's husband was buried yesterday and my friend (54) has been diagnosed with lung cancer. My wee grand daughter's friend passed away on Sunday night ( aged 10 - a much prayed for wee girl) and it has been so hard to explain the death of a child and watch the other children grieve for her. And yet....we seen God's hand in all of it and we trust Him to comfort in the days that lie ahead. Pray for us.

God Bless