The truth is that I'm still fighting through fear. I am typing this post on how to conquer fear in order to help some of you realize that you aren't alone.

Fear comes in so many different forms but to be completely vulnerable I'm sharing the four that affect me most often.

• Doubt

• Anxiety

• Trepidation

• Dread

I read the book by Jennifer Allwood called "Fear is not the Boss of You". I barely made it through chapter 2 and it was like the Lord whacked me upside the head. She said, "Sometimes we can be fearful of success". WHAT??! That was so profound to me and I realized that has been one facet of what I have been experiencing over the last two years and even today.

How can success cause fear?

Part of that answer pertains to my audience, AKA you! The fear of gaining more followers, being an influence and then failing to provide enough of what you need. What if my content isn't good enough or I run out of things to say? What if you find out I don't have it all figured out? I am not saying these are logical thoughts but nonetheless they are mine. Some days I feel like an imposter and don't feel I had what it took to be that kind of leader.

Feelings are real but here again they are circumstantial. How many times a day do your feelings change? We are not to lead with our feelings they are to be the caboose.

So I asked myself; How am I supposed to live a life of purpose when I allow those thoughts to creep in and take over?

Conquer the fear of Doubt, Anxiety, Trepidation, & Dread!

The definitions of these words make me break into a cold sweat. They represent my biggest struggles. The doubt of not being good enough. The anxiety of getting it ALL perfect. Trepidation of what is expected. Lastly, the dread of just showing up and saying the right things at the right time to the right people in the right setting. For the love!

By now you are saying one of two things, "This woman thinks waaaayyyy too much" or, "That's exactly how I feel!" You would definitely be right about the first choice. #overthinker

How to conquer fear

Jesus take the wheel! Whatever fear you struggle with I promise we can conquer it by following the steps below. There is no magic pill or a quick answer but there is hope and hope does not disappoint. Let's do this!

Step 1

Learn the truth

Fear is logical: If you touch a hot iron, You will get burned. That's a healthy fear and not what I'm talking about here. I'm talking about soul stealing, joy robbing, staying stuck in fear. This particular fear is not of Jesus.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

In the bible "Fear Not" is mentioned 365 times! That is the solid truth right there! One verse for every day of the year and an extra thrown in. Thank you Lord! The truth of fear is that it's from the enemy and he uses it in your most vulnerable area of life. Once you abide in the truth of what Christ says you will stand in victory over fear.

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:32 ESV

Step 2

Understand the root

If you are sick and go to the Dr. He will prescribe you an antibiotic. The antibiotic will treat the root cause of your illness. If you only took ibuprofen that will only treat the symptoms. Once the ibuprofen wears off the pain will return. It's not until you treat the root cause will healing truly take place. It's so important that we take a deep dive into our own lives to discover where the fear comes from. Maybe you had a family member tell you that you weren't good enough. Or you play the comparison game and never feel good enough. Maybe you failed one too many times and you keep reliving that same feeling.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

Step 3

Act on your convictions NOT your feelings.

Feelings are very real. Most of the time they dictate our reactions but, feelings lie. Feelings tell you that you don't want to get up and go to work. Conviction tells you that you have rent or a mortgage to pay. Feelings tell you that you are too tired to exercise today. Conviction tells you that you are taking care of the one body you have been given so get up. Feelings tell you that your home, hair, or clothes aren't good enough. Conviction tells you that God has equipped you with all you need to make a difference.

Preaching to the choir y'all! I have allowed my feelings to rule more times than I can count or want to admit. My desire in writing this post is to help you conquer fear in your own life.

If you have questions or comments please leave them here I'd love to chat with you.

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