Sunday, September 14, 2008

Chapter 10---A Fearless Beauty


This is one of the chapters that really came close to home. Joanna Weaver's book brings a fresh look at where our priorities should truly be as a Christian woman. She brings out the notion that being shallow and insecure, loud and obnoxious, pushy and anxious could come from fear. Our fears can come through so many things.
Our society puts such an emphasis on appearances and a scripture that shows us where our true focus should be,"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." I Peter 3:3-4.
Joanna Weaver gives the following helps for Fear Busters:
1. Turn On the Light--Tell a Godly friend about your struggle.
2. Interrogate Fear--Ask yourself ,"Is this danger I feel real or imagined? If the situation is out of your hands, place it in God's.
3. Speak God's Truth Out Loud--Replace Satan's haunts and taunts with Scriptures.
4. Follow Fear to Its End--"What's the worst thing that could happen if this fear comes true?"
Look for signs of God in your worst-case scenario. Remember He loves you and has good plans for you.
One of my very favorite scriptures reminds me to not fear, but trust in Him no matter the circumstances, Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I need the peace that comes with knowing He loves me no matter what, young or old, thin or heavy, dressy or casual.

7 comments:

Judy said...

I love that verse...it is one of my favorites and I have passed it along to others on so many occasions. It is a great fear-buster!

Barb said...

Hi Nana Trish,

Thank you for leaving such a beautiful comment. I appreciate it very much.

I agree that the inner self is what counts. Fear can be a very powerful thing!

I love that verse!

lots of hugs,
Barb

Technonana said...

THANKS FRIEND FOR YOUR HONESTY!! FEAR KEEPS US FROM DOING SO MUCH. iT'S A GOOD THING TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE AFRAID OF.

steviewren said...

I love that verse from Jeremiah too. It is so comforting knowing God has plans for me.

Bebe said...

Hi Nana Trish!
Thanks for coming over to visit with me and for entering my little giveaway!!
Hugs, Bebe :)

Ruthie said...

Good post. I also enjoyed reading your "six things" post. I'll have to see if I can think of six things to post since you tagged me. :)
I also like new paper, pens etc. I suppose it's because I like to write and draw.
I just posted my 100th post. Time sure does fly.
Hugs.

Maree said...

Thanks for this post..You have a wonderful sweet, sweet spirit. I'm praying for you sister!

I heard a story years ago about running toward the roar. Seems the biggest, scariest lion in the jungle has no teeth. Most of the time the issue we are facing has no teeth. We "think" this or that is going to happen and then the opposite happens.

We have help... Beth Moore had us memorize this Psalm. At the time I didn't know why, but a few weeks later we got some devasting news. I woke up in the middle of the night in a fright and started praying, and then these verses I had memorized sprang up and I was comforted.
Psalm 121
The LORD Our Protector

1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.

4 Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.

5 The LORD protects you; the LORD is a shelter right by your side.

6 The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.

7 The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life.

8 The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.

What do we have to fear? The maker of heaven and earth has our back...actually our front, sides, top and bottom...he does not sleep, he goes before us, cleans up after us!!

Well, I gotta go blog about this now!! Blessings!!:-)