The Limits of Fear

Today, I found an old box full of memories from years gone by... from many years gone by! In it were cards, letters, and an old speech I wrote when I was a State Officer of an organization that was known as FHA (Future Homemakers of America). So I thought I would publish it. I wrote it when I was 15 years young. It addresses the limits we have by our fears. So, here it goes:

The reason people never attempt new things is because of their fear of failure. This is so true. There are so many goals to accomplish and dreams to take hold of, yet many people refuse to step out and dare to try new things because of that fear of failure.

I believe that people can get too comfortable being average and get set in their ways. They are used to their average everyday lifestyles- and when it comes to facing new challenges, they withdraw, and feel insecure about taking on the challenge. My question is, 'Is it really worth it to let routine stand in the way of progress?' To that my answer is, 'NO!' I believe that the future is ours and what we make of it is in our hands, to a great extent.

As related to a race, in life we may choose to sit along on the sidelines and view others out there running for the prize, or we may choose to get involved in the race and go for the gold! In this race, we can also run for the bronze medal, or the silver medal. The goals we establish determine how we will run, or if we will run. My personal goal is to 'Go for the gold'.

Our future will be what we make it, (by the grace of God, I might add), and that's why I say, 'Don't ever let fear stand in your way.'

Finally, I would like to quote an old Chinese Proverb, "The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." -Lao Tzee
and a quote by Marie Curie, "Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."

So that was my speech to a group of fellow Leaders back in my High School years. I think I will take some of my own advice now. There are goals to work towards, and new challenges await. I also like the way Joyce Meyer advises in her teachings, "Even if you're afraid, Do it afraid!" After all, it has been said, that Courage does not imply the lack of fear, Courage is accomplished in spite of it.