Conquering Fear with Faith Requires Action

September 20, 2015 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

This week my sister-in-law received news no woman wants to hear.

After going in for a mammogram to address some changes she’d been experiencing the last few months, she was referred for a 3D ultrasound and then for a biopsy later in the week.

She called me, thanking me for encouraging her to follow up on the unusual symptoms that prompted the initial visit to her GYN doctor. She also asked me to pray for her. The uncertainty evident in her voice, we both knew the results of this test could indicate a serious health concern, one no one wants to talk about at the young age of 36.

As a single mom of three kids ages 16, 13, and 11, the “what if’s” whirled. At the same time though, everything in her fought to trust the God who she knew had gotten her through a plethora of arduous situations the last few years.

The fear was there, yes. But she determined in her heart to not let the fear rule. Instead, she chose faith. And choosing faith in the middle of a trial requires action.

Choosing faith in the middle of a trial requires action.

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She chose to reach out to other believers to request prayer for specific needs and to focus her mind on God’s truths.

She asked for peace to replace the fear threatening to take over her thoughts.
She asked for patience as she awaited biopsy results.
She asked for favorable test results.
She asked for strength to walk whatever path was ahead.

In the middle of her trial, when it might have felt easier to try to attempt to control the situation and Google her way to the answers of looming questions, she chose to lean on faith instead of giving into the fear of the unknown.

Whether it’s a medical scare, a period of financial uncertainty, or a broken relationship, it only takes one trying situation for fear to take over our thoughts and wreak havoc on the peace in our heart.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

God’s word reminds us that we’re NOT going to understand everything that happens in this life. But you know, I don’t think we’re supposed to understand everything.

Trusting God is an integral part of growing in faith.

Learning to acknowledge Him in the middle of our trials squelches the fear that is human nature and replaces it with a growing measure of faith.

Our confidence in His provision for our lives grows as we walk through trials. We seek Him, pushing away fear, and embracing an active faith in the One who created us and loves us unconditionally.

I’m not going to pretend this is easy!

In my life, this looks like daily submission to God’s ways, remembering He is in control, not me. However sometimes I really struggle to remember!

I’ve found that constant visual reminders really help. Scripture on my shower curtain and pillows on the couch and in my office chair bring God’s truth to my mind during the day and help to quiet my overly anxious heart. Scripture on the walls helps too.

For me, the process of pushing away fear and instead embracing a growing faith has been just that, a process. I’m learning the importance of trusting God to make good on His promises to make all things work for good in my life (Romans 8:28).

What about you? What helps you combat fear in your life and instead trust God as you grow in faith?

Thank you to Family Christian for providing pillows for the photos for this post from their new home goods line. Affiliate links are included in this post. When you click and purchase, I receive a very small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. These funds help keep the doors open here at The Mosaic Life and support Eva, our Compassion International child in Columbia.

Praising God in the Storm :: Our Miscarriage Story

August 27, 2015 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

Lately a friend reminded me of the power of telling our stories. Stories are the essential connection between people. Shared experiences remind us we’re not alone in this sometimes scary world.

Today I’m sharing one of my stories, one of pain in the moment and how Chuck and I chose to praise God in the middle of our storm. Now, 7 years and 3 beautiful babies later, I realize it was the first of many experiences God used to grow our faith and highlight His faithfulness in our lives.

July 2, 2008

It has been a long few weeks filled with every emotion imaginable. On May 15th, Chuck and I found out we were expecting our first child, due Jan 10th. We were so excited…our “five year plan” of starting a family after five years of marriage was falling right into place.

We kept the news pretty quiet, only telling our parents, our sisters, and a few close friends, until we had our first doctor’s appointment. I think that I thought the news that we were going to have a baby was going to really sink in once we had that first appointment.

What started as excited anticipation during that first visit quickly became nervous anticipation as our doctor became concerned that I was having some early complications. An ultrasound was scheduled for later that same afternoon.

I know it was the “peace that passes understanding” because I went back to work and was calm while waiting for the ultrasound appointment. Chuck, on the other hand, would tell me later that he had a feeling that something was very wrong.

The ultrasound later confirmed this when a heartbeat could not be detected. I should have been 7-8 weeks along. After a devastating conversation with our doctor, I had some blood work done and we headed home to share the news.

The next few weeks proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions, with more blood work and two more ultrasounds. My pregnancy hormones kept rising, but the baby was not growing properly and we could still hear no heartbeat.

The hardest part was not knowing what or how to feel, since at each appointment we were given a small ray of hope that the baby might be okay…maybe we were not as far along as they thought…maybe this, maybe that. It was more proof that only God knows us intimately, and medical science, though helpful, cannot always give us the answers.

Eventually last week we were told that the baby was not growing and that we should expect a miscarriage. After a week of waiting, I began to miscarry.

Through this all we have had an amazing support network of family and friends. God has continually placed people in our path who have been through similar experiences or who knew just what we needed to be comforted at that moment.

Although we are sad at the loss of this little child, we know God has more plans for us and our family.

I have been and will continue to cling to this verse:

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and he will make your paths straight.”

Although we may not always understand, we must trust God and acknowledge His sovereignty over all situations, even this one.

Friends, it’s time we share our stories. Let’s lift up God working in our lives and shine His grace and glory!

What can YOU praise him for today? Share in the comments and let’s encourage one another to view our lives through the lens of gratefulness, despite our difficult circumstances.

Five Minute Friday – Here

August 8, 2015 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

We travel on, the road winding as the water from the lake peaks through the evergreen trees. “Is that our lake?” my friend Mollie asks. “It sure is!” quickly escapes from my lips, excitement apparent.

The lake is such a beautiful and peaceful setting for a retreat!

“We should be there any minute.”

And then, all of a sudden…we are here.

“Here” is an unassuming lake house in the middle of a neighborhood on the outskirts of Nashville, TN. We’re gathered with a handful of brave women who share words and hearts each week as writers part of the Five Minute Friday community.

In the past few years, I’ve learned that although I’m as introverted as they come, I too need community. I too need to be brave and venture outside of my little circle of friends.

While the comfort of being known is just that – comfortable – I’m learning there is something special about the process of becoming known.

Thank you Jen for capturing this moment!

So I’m here, baby girl in tow, sharing a little bit of life, breaking through the fear of the unknown, meeting new friends, and enjoying being here.

This post is part of the Five Minute Friday series. Each week writers from all over the world gather together around a one-word writing prompt, sharing words and stories and hearts. The words spill out, unedited and free. This week’s word is HERE.

Consider one way you can be brave this week. Seek out community and authentic relationships, take a risk, and let God handle the details!

It’s Time to Jump!

July 31, 2015 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

Have you ever had an idea for a new project or wanted to learn a new skill or implement a new routine in your life but when you thought about it, you just got stuck?

Instead of jumping in and taking action, you pondered all the ways that something might go wrong or convinced yourself you weren’t really good enough or the right person to complete the task.

Surely I’m not the only one who has experienced this!

Here’s the thing.

When you first learned to ride a bike as a kid, what if you had hemmed and hawed over all the things that might go wrong? Instead of getting on the bike and peddling, what if you sat on the curb wondering what it would feel like if you fell and scraped your knee or how terrible it would be if the neighborhood kids saw you wobbling and laughed.

I’d venture to say you never would have learned to ride a bike. Then, think about all the fun you would have missed out on.

Sometimes to experience or new things in life as adults, we need to channel our inner kid and just jump!

So…what are you waiting for?

Today, take a leap of faith, take a risk.

Instead of sitting on the sidelines, enjoy this precious life we’ve been given!

What is something new you’ve been thinking about taking action on that you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to begin? Share in the comments and let’s encourage one another to, as Jon Acuff says… just Start!

This post is part of the Five Minute Friday community where we write for five minutes on a one-word writing prompt each week. Today’s prompt was “Try”.

Be Still And Listen for the Whispers

September 5, 2014 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

At times it’s been through a whisper.

The Holy Spirit quietly prompting, reminding, rebuking, or refreshing my soul.

Growing up in a faith tradition where the concept of the Holy Spirit was often brushed past in Sunday School on even the best day, I’ve struggled as an adult to really listen to God’s voice in my life in the day-to-day.

Reading His word and gaining insight?

That’s where all those Sunday school lessons memorizing books of the Bible, learning how to use a Bible concordance, and studying for endless Bible Bowl questions comes in handy.

But listening, really listening for the voice of God in my life? Oh, that’s been a struggle.

Sometimes we need a reminder to be still and listen for God’s whispers in our lives.

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And so I post this verse on my computer screen at work, in my car on a colored index card, on the mirror in the bathroom, and anywhere else I need a reminder.

Be still.

Know.

Remember His promises.

Remember I’m His child, his masterpiece.

Trust His provision for my life.

Trust His protection for my children.

Surrender control.

And listen for the whispers.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

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photo credit: Theophilos via photopin cc

This post is part of Five Minute Friday {Whisper} where we’re given a writing prompt and encouraged to write for five minutes of free writing. It’s a beautiful community of women sharing their words and wisdom each week! Also sharing with Faith & Fellowship and Essential Fridays.

What about you? How do you listen for the Holy Spirit’s whispers in your life?

Sunday Scripture: God Holds Your Hand

July 20, 2014 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

He’s turned 2, that age when “I do it!” is heard more times than I pick up toys from the floor on a typical day. {in case you’re wondering…that’s a lot!} His normal modus operandi is to charge forward in life, feet ahead of him at times, full speed ahead.

On this day though, he grabs my hand…and the handrail. We’re in a new place and he’s unsure about the steps and the rocky gravel below. I’d offer even that he’s a little scared of the path ahead.

But holding my hand?

He’s willing to try something new, knowing that I’m there to steady his walk, unwilling to let go and allow him to stumble.

And this, like so many other pictures of His greatness God gives us in the everyday, is a reminder of God’s love for us as our Father.

So why, dear friends, do we flail in the unknown, uncertain places of our lives?

Instead of grasping God’s outstretched hand when we’re afraid of the path ahead, we, in our own fleshly wisdom, march down those uncertain stairs, determined to do it on our own, but wobbling and fearful the whole way down.

Holding God’s hand, we can release fear and walk confidently forward, even in the uncertain places. {Isaiah 41:13}

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Today, let’s instead remember God’s faithfulness to stand with us in the hard times {and the good ones too!}. He offers His hand and reminds us we have nothing to fear. As our creator and our daddy, He’s here to help us on the journey. We just have to take His hand and walk the path laid in front of us.

Reflect on the truth shared in Isaiah and be encouraged of God’s presence in your life today and everyday.

Isaiah 41:13

For I am the Lord your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you,
Don’t fear; I will help you.

photo credit: Charlotte90T via photopin cc

Are you enjoying these posts? Take a minute and forward the email to a friend or use the social sharing buttons to share on a friend’s Facebook wall. Let’s encourage one another to continue faithfully the walk He’s called us to, whatever that path may look like for you today.

This post is part of the Five Minute Friday community where we write for five minutes on a one-word writing prompt each week. Today’s prompt was “Try”.

This post is part of Five Minute Friday {Whisper} where we’re given a writing prompt and encouraged to write for five minutes of free writing. It’s a beautiful community of women sharing their words and wisdom each week! Also sharing with Faith & Fellowship and Essential Fridays.

Isaiah 41:13

Sharing today with Scripture and a Snapshot, Sunday Stillness, Give Me Grace, and The Weekend Brew.