Have no fear, be yourself

A friend of mine just recently shared a bible verse in a group text that was heavy on her heart to share. I knew it took courage for her to share it because it was such an honest and blunt verse — like most of the bible; God doesn’t beat around the bush. But she was obedient to that gnawing feeling in her heart and sent it out to the right people.

We have to do that sometimes. Just click send and speak the truth. We may get afraid of what people might think or say, or they may take it the wrong way or get offended, but when you know it’s meant to help them and not to harm or cause conflict you don’t have to be afraid.

I have this mantra I tell myself: no fear. When I feel nervous about something or about approaching someone I just say “no fear” over myself and go for it. That’s how I published "To My Understanding." I literally yelled “no fear” as I hit publish. Then there was nothing I could do, it was out there and available for everyone to see and interpret.

When we hold things back because of fear it sits inside of us, in the dark, when it can be someone else’s light. What we hold back may not make sense to us but it can mean so much clarity for someone else.

If you feel like you can’t be your whole true self with someone then it’s time you reevaluate that relationship. For instance, if you have to force a conversation or feel pressured to come up with something to say to a person, if it’s unnatural, that relationship isn’t as real as you think it is. For me, I hate feeling awkward or like I’m forcing a friendship to happen. It’s not only uncomfortable but it’s fake! Why waste your time being fake with someone when you should be comfortable being yourself and opening up to someone who you can trust and who can encourage you.

True friends understand you. True friends defend you. True friends don’t always feel the need to ask questions. True friends know when to speak or when to be that shoulder to cry on.

Don’t be afraid to be yourself and to be that person who people would want to come to, someone to be on their side. No judgments, no questions asked, just a friend. 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 
— Ephesians 4:29

"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
— Matthew 18: 15

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
— Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
— Proverbs 27:17