I’m very excited about featuring the newest book by Janet Thompson: Everyday Brave. And she will send a copy of her new book to the winner drawn from those making comments on my blog. More details are below.
In Everyday Brave, Janet explores the extraordinary bravery of fifty ordinary women in the Bible. Twenty-eight women of today also give testimonies of realizing their strength and courage through God’s love. As Janet shares the stories of these women, she reminds us that the real heart and substance of bravery comes from unconditionally placing our hope in the only One who can give us the courage to stay the course.
Here is an excerpt from her book.
Everyday We Bravely Overcome Fear
by Janet Thompson
Fears are a natural part of life, an honest and real emotion. Our hearts race. We tremble. We feel a nauseous sinking sensation in our stomach. We’re terrified. Frozen. We’re not going to be brave this time.
We’ve all experienced fear. Often it’s a healthy reaction to a dangerous situation. Other times, it’s rooted in past or recent trauma or chronic worry. Conquering a fear can offer countless opportunities and accomplishments we’ve previously avoided. Sometimes fear of loss or harm motivates a courageous act we wouldn’t otherwise consider.
Each of us must face our fears if we want to move ahead in life. Maybe it’s leaving home for the first time, moving, flying, heights, elevators, a job interview, starting a new job, public speaking, failing, or __________. My fear is dogs—especially barking dogs. I live in a rural area where most people own dogs. Heading out for a morning walk, I pray the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18), and in a particular area, I recite the twenty-third Psalm. I refuse to let fear stop me from enjoying my hike. With God’s help, I overcome fear and proclaim 1 Chronicles 28:10: “Be brave, determined! And do it!” (msg).
My grandkids now have a cute little dog appropriately named Barkley. Gradually . . . bravely . . . I’m getting to know this little shaggy mutt and we’re becoming friends. Something those who know me thought could never happen. Actually, I didn’t either.
We usually try to avoid the object of our fear; but I can’t avoid all dogs.
If you’re afraid of heights, you might try to avoid high places, but that’s not practical either.
Sometimes, we’re afraid of failure so we don’t even try. I didn’t start writing until I was fifty years old. I’d never taken a writing class or had any aspirations of becoming an author, but I had started a Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry at my church and other churches were asking how to start one at their church. I knew God wanted me to share this ministry, but I would have to write about it. I had never sat at a computer to compose, and I didn’t think it was even possible. All through seminary, I wrote my papers in longhand and my husband typed them into the computer. I was computer illiterate and had no desire to learn.
But with much prayer and prompting from God, I overcame my fears and doubts and sat down one day to type my thoughts into the computer. To my surprise, the ideas flowed as my fingers flew over the keyboard.
Then new doubts taunted that I was too old to start writing. But God reminded me that I was only getting older by the minute so I’d better start now. That was twenty books and twenty years ago. I’m so glad I didn’t let those initial misgivings stop me from the writing and speaking adventure God had planned for me if I would only trust and rely on Him.
God didn’t create fear, anxiety, doubt, or worry. He wants us to call on Him when we experience those mind hijackers: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! . . . The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:4–7). Paul wrote these uplifting words while sitting in a Roman jail, not knowing if acquittal or beheading was in his future.
Overcoming some fears may require the assistance of counselors, therapists, or doctors. Admitting you need help and acquiring it is courageous. A friend recently shared wise words from Mary Anne Radmacher on a wall hanging in her home: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”
In times of trial, we may find ourselves, by God’s grace, able to overcome our fears in an instant, or our journey could prove to be a long process. The triumph is always worth the struggle, as the Lord helps us remain brave and steadfast in the face of uncertainty. Let any fear or apprehension send you straight to prayer and reliance on God.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
What is fear stopping you from doing something you know God wants you to accomplish?
Thank you so much for sharing, Janet. I’m inspired to ask for God’s strength for bravery.
TO ENTER THE DRAWING: Make any comment on my (Kathy’s) blog. I will draw the winner on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at 7pm. Only those with US addresses can win. UPDATE: Noelle is the winner of the drawing for “Everyday Brave.” Congratulations, Noelle!
*Any excerpts from Everyday Brave used with permission from Leafwood Publishers
Janet Thompson is an international speaker, freelance editor, and award-winning author of 20 books. Her passion is to mentor other women in sharing their life experiences and God’s faithfulness. Her new release is Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith.
She is also the author of Mentoring for All Seasons: Sharing Life Experiences and God’s Faithfulness; Forsaken God? Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten; The Team That Jesus Built; Dear God, Why Can’t I Have a Baby?; Dear God They Say It’s Cancer; Dear God, He’s Home!; Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter; Face-to-Face Bible study Series; and Woman to Woman Mentoring: How to Start, Grow, & Maintain a Mentoring Ministry Resources.
Janet is the founder of Woman to Woman Mentoring and About His Work Ministries.
Visit Janet and sign up for her weekly blog and free online newsletter at womantowomanmentoring.com.
Join Janet:
facebook.com/Janetthompson.authorspeaker
Congratulations on your latest book Ms. Janet. Praying it makes a wonderful impact for the kingdom ma’am. Have long believed that bravery is not the absence of fear, it is the acceptance of it, yet still moving toward the goal. God’s blessings.
Thanks for being included, J.D., and for congratulating Janet. She is amazing!
Appreciate the encouraging words and you’re right: Courage is fear that calls on God.
Fear of miserably failing 🙁
Thanks for sharing, Nicci. That is truly a hard thing. I don’t know if you have a fear of failing in a particular area or it is just a vague feeling. Both are difficult. I’ll be praying for you and I hope one way or the other, winning the book or buying it, you will be able to read Janet’s book. And know that I think 100 percent of us ALL know that feeling. You are not alone.
Thanks for giving us a chance to win looks like a very good book
Always a treat to hear from you Noelle. Your name is in the drawing.
CONGRATULATIONS, NOELLE! You are the winner. I will be in direct contact. Thanks again for participating!
Yes, Nicci. Success means taking the first step.
I was reluctant to do something I sensed God wanted me to do. As I prayed about it I started getting ideas. Phil. 4:4-7 is really encouraging. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing, Meghan. You just shared two tools: thinking of the first step in God’s power, and remembering a Scripture. Thank you for entering the drawing.
Meghan the first two steps of faith are prayer and letting God speak to you through His Word! You’re on your way.
This sounds like an incredible read. Thanks for writing it Janet. I am a two time cancer survivor and fear is something that I have had to deal with in my journey. I have also indie published two children’s books during this journey
Thanks so much for entering the drawing, Sharon. I’m so glad the Lord has spared your life. And congratulations on your two children’s books. That’s a wonderful accomplishment.
If your book is half as good as Kathy’s you will have a winner. You couldn’t put her book down then passed it on to several other women to read who all enjoyed it. Your book sounds great. Congrats on it and glad you pressed on 20 years ago and made it here today with all your accomplishments. Deborah
Hi Deborah, thank you for entering the drawing and for your encouraging words for me and for Janet. And you are right about Janet’s book. It is a winner!
I’ve had fears from an early age (dogs,ice, heights,and flying). My parents helped me overcome most of them. I still have a fear of flying(I’ve never been in a plane). I also have anxiety and depression(treated) none the less I worry alot. I need to pray more, focusing on Jesus and being grateful. Philippians 4:8 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
8 Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.
Thanks for commenting on the idea of fears, Julie. Every one of us has something we fear. And we all are growing in one area or another. You have inspired us with your sharing.I know Janet’s book will strengthen you.