Fear.

I initially began this article with a wide array of inspirational quotes about fear. Some describing fear as something that keeps you from success, some claiming the absence of fear isn't necessary only the power to overcome it. We all know we have fear—something probably popped into your head the moment you read the word.

From an early age we hear the words "don't be afraid." Don't be afraid of the dark, or the boogieman, or your nightmare. But, the reality is, we will always be afraid of something.

Fear can be crippling. Fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of loss. It can hold you paralyzed. It can keep you in your safe little box; or, it can keep you moving, never standing still for too long. We are all scared of something, and that something ends up being in the back of every thought.

I'm terrified of the future. So scared that things won't work out. I won't find a career I'm passionate about or, I will, yet I won't be able to find a job in that field. My law degree won't help me follow the path I want to or, it will, but I just won't be good enough.

It's a never ending chain of everything that won't work out or will go wrong.

Fear keeps my heart guarded. Everything gained can be lost, so why seek happiness in the first place? Sometimes, when I'm at my most dramatic, I think it may just be better if I never discover my dream career cause then I can't lose it.

How much does that fear steal from me every single day? How many opportunities to have joy do I miss out on because fear has me in its grip?

I could easily say, "So, I choose to no longer be afraid!" but I would be lying to myself and to you. It's never that simple. It's never that easy. And maybe, it's okay that I can't overcome it with a thought.

There will be days that I am paralyzed because I am afraid of what might come next or I am discouraged by the insurmountable stack of unanswered questions in my future. It will happen, and that's okay. But, I can choose to make more days about everything there is to not be afraid of. I can combat the fear that mounts in my heart. Fear is a choice, some would say. I disagree, I think the choice is in how we react to our fear.

How many things can I point out that go right and work out in a single day? It's crazy how many things fall perfectly in to place. I woke up on time, I had a good breakfast and wonderful cup of coffee, I made it to work, I got to see friends, I am loved and healthy, and I could go on.

So I will say, I choose to again actively place my fear in the hands of the One who holds everything that I am afraid of. I will not overcome it on my own, I will not simply ignore it and power through. I will find joy in the moments God gives me each day. I will remind myself that if God can take me from morning to night each day, he can take me from this year to the next with ease.

Fear has stolen so much, but perhaps joy and trust can bring even more back into my life.