It’s 4:40am.  I just got done using the porta potty and then there is the chilling howl….not of dogs but of a coyote.  I freeze and my heart races!

Y’all, fear is real!  It’s an emotion designed by God to alert us about dangerous circumstances so we can take action.  We have real and imagined fears in our lives.  But, take a look at Psalm 56:3-4 “When I am afraid, I put my TRUST in you.  In God, whose word I praise-- in God I trust; I am not afraid, what can mere mortals do to me?”      

Fear is something I had to overcome this week.  If you know me, I'm shy and timid... the word I declared upon myself for training camp was BOLDNESS.  I quickly was ingrained with the phrase “Ministry Is Life, Life Is Ministry.”  Every action I take and every word I speak has a chance to impact someone’s life.  That being said, I cannot just sit around and hope that someone runs into me—I need to make an effort to impact others—I need to STEP OUT of shyness and timidity and be BOLD. 

I learned quickly that in order to do that, I had to deal with some of my insecurities and masks.  Some words that are lies that I believed to be true were: unseen, weak, unworthy, flawed, and unheard.  They were replaced with words such as beautiful, loved, daughter of the Most High King, 100% seen, gentle, humble, chosen, and valuable.  Once I truly put my identity in this second list of words, I was free and had peace.  Let me just say, there were lots of tears this week from all of us—breaking down lies that you have held dear to your heart can be hard to let go!

There was a night when we were with our squads and we shared some of our masks and then if we wanted, we could make a TRUE identity declaration to the group.  My declaration was that I am wanted and pursued by God.  Let me tell you again, when LIES are replaced with TRUTHS weights are lifted!  I felt like a new person.  It also made me realize, if God is constantly pursing me, why am I AFRAID to be pursuing the kingdom for him?      

Friends, family, and readers---it’s time we start living in response to God’s love.  I’m tired of performing and masking my love for God.  Again, the word I declared upon myself was BOLDNESS and I’m going to start walking that out.  I don’t need your approval; I have the acceptance of God.  I don’t need to fear that I may look stupid praying, sitting with a homeless person, or spreading the GOOD NEWS—We are all God’s creation and deserve to love, be loved, and receive salvation!!  It’s time to face fear and get a little reckless…   RECKLESS LOVE = KINGDOM FOREVER.

Now the question is…How will you live fearless and recklessly for God?!? If Ministry Is Life and Life Is Ministry….it is time to STEP OUT and be BOLD!  

Oh, and the ending to my porta story…. why yes, I did face my fear—with my heart pounding, I quickly walked back to my tent and thanked God for my safety ;-)