Fear.

A word and feeling that can totally strangle us if we let it.

Fear can keep us from becoming world changers. It can keep us from stepping out of our comfort zones. It can keep us from reaching our goals.

It can also keep us from making some of the best memories possible.

A few years ago, I decided to go to a Natalie Grant concert in a nearby town. It was her Dare to Be event with her British bestie,  Charlotte Gambill. I knew I needed to go and be encouraged by these empowered women. So, I went.

Sure, I felt scared and would have preferred to go with someone, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me.

I decided to show up anyway.

I didn’t feel dread or fear to the core. I was excited with an expectant heart for what I was about to hear from these amazing women.

With ticket in hand, I waited in line to get to my seat. While I was waiting in line, the ladies in front of me and behind me were part of a Christ church choir group. I apologized for being between them, but they immediately dismissed the apology and welcomed me into their group with welcome arms.

They even invited me to sit with them. I didn’t even think twice about leaving my floor seat to join them in the balcony. Also, sitting with them gave me a better view of the stage than I would have had in my floor seat.

When it was time to leave, we became friends on Facebook to stay in touch and they invited me to the Christmas concert at their church.

Fast forward to this past year, I went to a free concert for Sarah Reeves at a local church. The pastor of the church introduced me to another visitor. The visitor and I also became friends for the evening.

Looking back at those concerts, I know God was showing up for me.

He directed people my way so we could enjoy the music and fellowship together.

Imagine if I had decided not to go. I wouldn’t have met these incredible women.

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Fear can entangle us in its web. Who actually likes getting out of their comfort zone?

Getting out of the comfort zone, though, is where amazing things can happen.

God can lead us to others at an event that need a certain encouragement that only we could give at that moment.

Let your faith in God to be there with you be greater than your fear.

We will only regret when we choose to not show up.

Show up anyway. Do it afraid, but don’t let fear get the best of you to where you decide not to go.

God will show up for you.

Go have some clean fun. Make some memories that will last a lifetime. You won’t regret it.