Have you ever been way out of your comfort zone? I thought so. Me too.

New things, new places, and sometimes new people, can jolt us into a very uncomfortable place. Deadlines can be rough. Risking a different direction… scary. Putting yourself “out there” creatively can be overwhelming. What would you add to that list?

When I was in elementary school we went on a field trip to the state capitol. Our whole 4th grade class climbed this narrow metal circular staircase that went way way up to the very tippy-top of the capitol rotunda. We then tentatively crept single-file OUTSIDE onto a narrow itsy-bitsy walkway that went around the circular spire thingy.

I started to feel uncomfortable (and dizzy) as we climbed up high on the metal spiral staircase. Then it was my turn to step outside, with the wind blowing, onto the narrow walkway with only a railing between us kids and a long fall down. I passed out. The next thing I knew, Mr. Benson, our teacher, was carrying me back down the spiral staircase.

The fear of that windy walkway OUTSIDE, with the skinny metal railing, just took my breath away.

All those feelings come rushing back to me at times. I feel the discomfort… and the fear of  what might be just ahead. I still try to avoid high windy places, but I have determined that I will not give into fear. I choose to be brave.

Fear is not part of our identity. We were created for better things.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) says: “for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Fear can make us lose our minds. Other versions use the word self-control or discipline. We do have better options than fear. Instead of rehearsing the day at the top of the capitol rotunda (or others like it) I choose to rehearse what God says about me and how He made me.

Music can be a powerful tool as well and for me it’s a song on Rhea Marshall’s More of You CD entitled “I Will Not Fear” which is essentially this powerful verse put to music. Nothing empowers and changes mindsets like God’s Word hidden in your heart.

All creative people, all those who are allowing His giftings and callings to bring change and opportunity, are going to face discomfort and fear. But we can press past it.

Go ahead: take the new direction, write the book, audition for the part. He’s your biggest cheerleader and He will never leave you or forsake you. He has every hair on your head numbered. He has angels looking after you, and people like my 4th grade teacher, Mr. Benson, who are full of God’s love to carry you to safety when things take your breath away.