How to Face Your Fears - Dealing with Covid

What is it that you are facing today that is causing you anxiety? A job issue? Health concern? Relationship troubles? Finances? Covid? There are many reasons to be anxious and fearful these days, but we do have a choice. Everyone is facing similiar battles, but some people don't seem to be as bothered by them. Why is that? Today I'm sharing on a tangent from our series although you will see next week that this post is related to step 2 to igniting the power within.  

As author and speaker, Joyce Meyer, states, "The battlefield is the mind" and that is so true. Our thought life is where our battles actually begin. Fears and anxieties are stored deep in our subconscious minds. As author Eckhardt Tolle, says in his book "A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose", we each have a "pain-body" that is  an accumulation of old emotional pain or wounds, as I call them. Some people believe they are from past lives. Not sure what to say about that, but I do believe part of our purpose here on earth is to heal our souls, and the pain-body that is attached to them. This is one reason why I write about healing. 

I remember raising my two sons as a single parent and life seemed so overwhelming. I remember crying out to God in my moments of weakness and despair, pleading for help. "I can't handle this anymore, Lord." I was trying to do it all in my own strength instead of depending on the Lord. We all have these moments but what is actually happening? In my case, I was reliving the emotional pain of a chaotic, fearful and out-of-control childhood with an alcoholic father. The same feelings I felt as a child were resurfacing in the present moment. 

Something happened in our past that we may or may not remember that causes a short-circuit shall we say. Whenever a situation occurs in the present that is similiar in some way, the wire is tripped and our unconscious mind triggers the fear/anxiety response which in turn triggers some anxious behavior. It's a cycle that must and can be broken. The wiring can be fixed. But it takes courage. And faith. 

But realize this - we are never really alone in our battles. God is always with us and for us. God is on our side and no matter how alone, overwhelmed or helpless we may "feel", the truth is that God promises to answer our cries.

                    "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here I am." (Isaiah 58:9). 

Romans 8:31 says "If God is for us, who can stand against us?". Isn't that great news? God is on our side. You have the power of Almighty God fighting your battles with you. So when you are down and out, when you are afraid of the uncontrollable, remember the words of the Apostle Paul: "for when I am weak then He is strong" (2 Cor 12:10) and also in the book of Joel 3 which says "let the weak say I am strong". By focusing on the truth in the word of God, we reprogram our minds. Instead of thinking, "This is overwhelming", I can think "God is going to help me through this" and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Slowly but surely the wiring (our thoughts) will be repaired and situations that used to cause anxiety will no longer do so.

For Reflection:

What anxious or fearful thoughts have been plaguing you lately? Are you worrying about what may happen? What if scenarios? Do yourself a favor and give those cares and worries to the Lord. "Cast all your cares (worries, concerns, anxieties) on Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Take control of your thoughts by staying in the present moment, not in yesterday or tomorrow. I encourage you to be courageous and stand up to your fears from the past. Do you want to live a life of fear and anxiety? I think not but the choice is ultimately up to us. When you have done all you know to do, then rest, pray, and trust. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

Until next time, thanks for reading and 

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

Don't Wait for a Sign. Take a Step of Faith.

Seems like single guys and gals both have the same problem - how to read the signs that the person they are interested in is interested in them. This has long been an issue amongst my single friends, so I thought I'd share an anecdote about it, and do what I can to help the situation. I'm all for couples getting together and sometimes we shy folk, (yes, me included) have a bit of a time deciphering the signs. Now, I'm going to tell you up front, I'm going a bit out of my comfort zone with this post, so please do write and let me know your thoughts, ok?

This past Friday, I decided to go to the west coast swing dance. Most of you know that I love to dance, right?

Lord, please let me meet some new people tonight.

As I entered the ballroom, everyone was smiling and dancing, glad to release the cares of the week. The lights were dimmed and the rhythm of the music electrified the air.  I noticed a few new faces and smiled to myself.

Thank you, Lord. I see some new people here.

It wasn't long before one of the new faces asks me to dance and to be honest, he was quite the dancer. Cute, too and plus, he made me laugh. I'm starting to feel something.

So the second time he asks me to dance, he starts telling me how hard it is for guys to know when a woman is interested. My ears perk up. Then he shares that he only gets phone numbers from women he isn't interested in. Now I start to chuckle.

Hmmmm. Funny I feel the same way.

"Well, I have to tell you, we women have the same problem. And I will admit, I have been told I need to send louder signals." We both smiled at the absurdity of it all and decided to enjoy the fun of the evening.

As I thought about the conversation on the way home, I analyzed why men are so afraid to ask. I think it basically boils down to two fears:
1)  the whole fear of rejection thing
2)  the 'She's not interested in me'  mentality

Both of which stem from a basic lack of - dare I say - faith. You knew I was bringing it around now, didn't you?

Luke 11:9 puts it this way "Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened to you." This is a promise, kind of like an if-then statement for all my techie friends. If we ask in faith, God promises to answer. It's a fact. This verse has been tested by yours truly over and over, so trust me, it does work.

Somehow many of us have a hard time asking for what we want. We feel we are unworthy. Or God is too busy to answer our prayer. Or some other lack of faith excuse. Just as we women want you guys to ask, God wants us to ask. How much more of a sign do you need?

Lastly, consider this: if we don't have the courage to step out in faith and ask, the answer will always be no. So what will you do next time? Will you still be looking for a sign? Or will you take a step of faith and ask?

Hoping this post encourages some of you to have a bit more faith, and to step out of your comfort zone. What situation are you hesitant about? Asking for a raise? A date? More time with your beloved?

If you'd like to join our growing community and receive a copy of my free guide entitled " 7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path" please enter your email address in the box provided.  

 Until next time, keep looking up.

Ariel Paz