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The Destiny Diva!

Overcoming Fear!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Once again, I am excited to meet you here at preachingwoman.com. Over the past two months, we've talked about this phenomenon called destiny. We've already established that it is a very integral part of life for those who choose to embrace it. But we also established that sometimes there are obstacles that stop us from actively pursuing our destiny. So, this month, we will address the first of the obstacles that we identified last month: fear. Read more inside!

Pastor Alonia JerniganOvercoming Fear!

Written by Alonia Jernigan



 

 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  Once again, I am excited to meet you here at preachingwoman.com.  Over the past two months, we've talked about this phenomenon called destiny.  We've already established that it is a very integral part of life for those who choose to embrace it.  But we also established that sometimes there are obstacles that stop us from actively pursuing our destiny.  So, this month, we will address the first of the obstacles that we identified last month: fear.


 


Without a doubt, we must first understand that if fear exists, there is a reason for its existence.  A basic study of behavioral patterns suggests that we were all born with two fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises.  If this is true, then it is further safe to say that all other fears are learned behaviors.   Well, how did we learn such behavior?  I would say that negative, unpleasant, frightful or devastating experiences are at the top of the list of fear-development.


 


Simply put, when we experience such, fear is a natural reaction.  I have (and have had) my own set of fears to deal with, and I also know that there are other experiences that have caused others to have their own set of fears as well.  Let me share a couple of these examples with you.  For me, I have had to deal with the fear of extreme heat/fire for years.  Because we know the detrimental effects of fire, this may seem to be a pretty common fear. But I'd like to share an experience that has made this particular fear a bit more intense for me.  I grew up in a house wherein the heating system included a steel case that was imbedded in the floor.  Somehow, the heat came from the bottom.  In order to get to the restroom and my sister's bedroom, one would have to cross over the heater. 


 


When I was just a toddler, I was following my sister (who was six years my senior) around the house.  She, apparently, was on the way in to the restroom or to her bedroom.   One day I wondered out of the sight of my parents and sister, and I ended up falling on the heater.  Some 40 years later, I still have a reminder in the shape of a huge tic-tac-toe mark that goes from my leg to my upper thigh.  As I grew up, I recall there being many days of being very careful in making my way past the heater.  I DID NOT want to risk falling and getting burned again.  It was not until I became an adult that I got over my fear.  For years, I was subconsciously reminded of the pain that was caused; pain that ultimately left me scarred for life --- at least physically, that is.


 


Another example I'd like to share is the fear of any reminder of death.  I have experienced this fear quite a bit lately, particularly since the place of our worship location is in the chapel of a funeral home.  Now, from my and Pastor James' perspective, there are many reasons why it makes good sense for us to convene at a funeral home.  For one, the chapel looks like a church's sanctuary: there are pews, a pulpit, an organ and a book board (preaching podium).  It is centrally located, and it is affordable.


 


However, we have experienced somewhat of a challenge in getting people excited about having a funeral home as a place of worship.  The underlying and recurring response we receive for the logic behind people's hesitation is fear.  At first, I thought they were just making excuses.  After all, I am a person that wholeheartedly believes and often proclaims, "People, especially grown folk, go where they want to go and they do what they want to do."  But after I listened a little more intently, I realized that their concerns really are legitimate.


 


One friend, who is now remarried, had her husband's service to take place in the same chapel in which we hold services.  Another friend still laments the death of her son, who was murdered.  Those are serious reasons to have reservations.  As I thought about their concerns, I also thought about the concern I had with my own fear of intense heat/fire.  I realize that the only way I conquered my fear was to understand that my mind had to be conditioned to learn that every bad situation or experience does not have to be permanently attached to me; it does not have to become a part of my being.


 


Yes, I fell.  And you know that had to hurt.  But anytime we allow something to grip us so strongly, that same thing will ultimately control us.  We should never allow anyone or anything to have full control over our lives unless it is Jesus Christ.  When I accepted that realization, things were much, much better for me. 


 


One of the greatest benefits of being a Christian is the fact that we have a heavenly father in whom we can trust.  One of my favorite scriptures (Psalm 27:1) says, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"  That's good news!  We have to learn to trust God.  We have to learn to be strong in Him and in the power of His might, not our own strength, our own power, our own abilities.  It's all about HIM. 


 


We must always know that, regardless of how awesome we may think we are, without Him we can do nothing.  And when we trust Him totally, there is no need for fear.  In those times when fear seems not to escape us, just remember that God is with us.  He walks with us, He keeps us, He protects us, and no matter what happens, He will make it alright.  Hold on to hope, hold on to your faith and kiss your fears goodbye.


 


Pushing You Towards Destiny, I am


Pastor Alonia Jernigan


 


 


About the Author

Alonia Jernigan is an Atlanta-based award winning journalist, as well as an author, pastor, entrepreneur and destiny coach. She is known as an excellent writer, captivating and witty speaker and challenging teacher/trainer.  For more information, visit her online at www.AloniaJernigan.com or www.Dream2Destinyonline.com.