Valerie Jones

{Live with Purpose. Lead with Passion.}

I am a blogger, worship leader, and speaker who helps worship leaders and team members connect with purpose and passion in life and leadership by offering encouragement, community, and practical resources so that they can thrive in life and leadership, both on and off the platform.

Thanks for stopping by!

Filtering by Tag: fear

{When You Take The Step You Thought You Couldn't}

I held my breath and pressed the button. Launch campaign. What. In. The. World. 

Can I tell you something? I'm terrified. All those things I explained to you before -- the fear of rejection, the fear of being misunderstood -- are still there.  But I wasn't kidding when I told you that Jesus was working on me. You know what else? When God goes to work, so does the enemy. He tries to intimidate, distract, discourage, and isolate. He doesn't get to win. 

So, here's where I landed. Even if people think I'm selfish or, no one wants to help, that's ok. See, another thing I've been working on with Jesus is this: Do it afraid. If I believe what I say about God, then I have to. 

So, late last night, I decided to take the next step. You know, the one that seemed impossibly hard. My sweet husband said a prayer with me, and then I pressed the button. This morning, I wanted to throw-up. And, take it back. Instead, Jesus and me, we get to work on the waiting and trusting. Part of the process, I already see, is stripping away some deep-seated insecurity. My heart and my life are His, and He has this situation well in hand. 

May I encourage you today, sweet friends? He has your heart and your situation well in hand, too. Trust Him. Let Him go to work. 

If you want to help, there are two ways you can do that. Take a look here and here.  

{Five Minute Friday | Let's Give It a Whirl!}

Five Minute Friday

  I've been following 5 Minute Friday with my friend Mary Hess for some time. I thought I might give it a whirl. Every Friday, Lisa Jo posts a prompt. You write for 5 minutes - no starting and stopping, no editing. Just write. Sounds like BIG FUN, doesn't it!? So, here it goes . . .

GO.

Afraid.

I have been afraid.  I have walked through seasons of life paralyzed by fear. I remember the first time I recognized it.  I ignored it and justified it, and it ruled me.

Every time I was faced with something new and different. Afraid.

I was always waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under me. Afraid.

I finally learned that I didn't have to be afraid.

The Lord is my light and my salvation, why should I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, why should I be afraid? 

I'm still learning. Learning to trust. Learning to believe that He is exactly who He says He is. He has me in the palm of my hand. He loves me with an unfailing love. Some days that seems easier than others. Today I needed the reminder.

I don't have to be afraid.

Stop.