When I was small there was always this fear nagging at me just before bedtime. The fear that a monster was lurking in the shadows, hidden beneath my covers, or cowering in the dark closet across the hall. As I grew older I found fear socially, thanks to society. The fear that I may not be good enough, pretty enough, or funny enough. Then, life got a little tougher and my fears became more real. The fear that I may mess up and choose the wrong college or major. The fear that I would somehow destroy my life with one simple mistake. Fear had taken over my life, and not for the better.

Then, I ventured out of my small town, which I love with all my heart, but needed to step away from in order to find myself. I was determined to not allow fear to rule my life, but that mindset failed to last. I remained cooped up in my dorm with the fear of starting a new life and missing my friends from home. I skipped out on fun orientation events and campus get-togethers. Once again I had allowed fear to ruin perfectly good opportunities to meet new people and grow into a new me, but not for long. Soon, I met my very best friend and roommate, and I no longer live with fear.

My roommate and dear friend does not allow anyone to drag her down at any time. She stands true in her faith, beliefs, and opinions. She is never afraid to speak her mind and share her bold and honest opinion. She encourages me to use my voice and step out of my shell. She lives life to the fullest and pushes past the tough times because she knows that the Lord gives his worst battles to his strongest soldiers. She taught me to live life to the fullest, which you can only do without fear and dance in the rain.

Now, I live fearlessly. I have learned to dance in the rain through faith and friendship. Every day I pray to live freely and courageously. I no longer have a fear of stepping out of my comfort zone or of pleasing everyone around me. My roommate showed me that there is no need to care who likes us because we like us. She taught me to live like there is no tomorrow. She may not realize it, but she inspires me every day with her faith and passion for life!

Not everyone is as lucky as me to have the best roommate and friend in the world, but we all have the Lord, and I thoroughly believe that he sent me her for a reason.. Here are a few ways to learn to dance in the rain!

“Do not fear, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10

Every day God walks with us, whether we are eating a bowl of spaghetti or pushing a shopping cart through the grocery store. We have no need for fear when the Lord is walking near. We must all realize that fear only holds us back from greater pursuits and future endeavors that could lead to even higher opportunity! The phrase, do not be afraid, is within the Bible 365 times. That is a reminder for each and every one of us daily. A daily reminder that we have no need for fear or negativity. A daily reminder that we are all safe and secure when we trust in the good Lord.

“When I am afraid I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

We must all learn to trust in the Lord. With God by our side and faith in our hearts we can walk through life with no fear. We can take a leap and try something new and unexpected. We can visit a faraway land, flourish in new relationships, and gain the most extraordinary opportunities. Often I have placed heavy burdens on my own shoulders and walked alone, but I find myself speaking to God more and more often lately. From a person that has lived both ways, just trust me when I say that the latter is always, always better.

“The Lord is the light and my salvation-- Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

This verse poses the perfect question to get the ball rolling and our brains racing. Who or what is there to be afraid of? We have been placed in a world full of glorious people and bursting life. There will be curve balls and rough patches, but have you ever been alone? Never once has God left you, even when we fail to invite him in. I realize now that I have absolutely nothing or anyone to fear. There are moments when I find myself in a dark corner, scared of what may happen next, and hoping for an answer. I find my answer when I ask myself what there truly is to fear. I find my answers in the Lord our Savior.

Life is scary. There is a big world of unknown adventures and we must learn to live fearlessly. We must learn to walk with the Lord. We must learn to dance in the rain! I learned through friendship and faith, and I could not be more grateful that God placed my roommate in my life. Lastly, a shout out to the girl behind everything. You’re the best, Kaylin, and I love you!