by Marti Fischer

Have you ever felt fear creeping in and taking control? One moment you’re capable of love and generosity, and the next, you find yourself slipping into a state of smallness, doubting your abilities and desires?

Fear manifests itself in various forms — fear of rejection, fear of inadequacy — and can confine us to a comfort zone that stifles growth and fulfillment. It convinces us that venturing beyond our perceived limitations is too risky, leaving us trapped in a cycle of un-fulfillment and inertia.

Despite understanding the profound significance of Christ’s sacrifice and the boundless potential it unlocks by freeing us from sin, guilt and fear, we often choose to remain small, clinging to familiarity and avoiding the uncertainty of growth. Fear tells us that staying put is safer than venturing into the unknown.

But comfort can be deceptive. We mistake familiarity for contentment, failing to realize that true fulfillment lies beyond our comfort zones. Perfectionism, settling for less, procrastination, and numbing ourselves are all symptoms of fear masquerading as comfort.

When fear takes the reins, our anxieties dominate our thoughts, overshadowing our true desires. But by acknowledging and confronting the root causes of our distress, we can reclaim control of our lives.

End the blame game and embrace opportunities for growth. Initiate action to break free from the rabbit hole of smallness and rediscover your true self. Embrace discomfort, confront challenges, and pursue your dreams with unwavering determination. Living a life devoid of purpose and authenticity is worse than fear.

Remember, failure is inevitable, but it’s also a catalyst for growth. Learn from setbacks, adapt, and persevere in pursuit of your aspirations. Believe in the impossible, for it is through faith and action that we transform the unimaginable into reality.

Today, choose to defy fear and reclaim your true identity. Step out of the rabbit hole of smallness and into the boundless potential of who you were meant to be. Embrace gratitude; replace fear with joy; and live fully in the present moment.

The journey from fear to freedom begins with a single step — believe in the impossible, and watch as possibilities unfold before you.

_________________________

This month as we acknowledge and celebrate our incredible MemberPartners, we will be following the exciting story of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. Nehemiah is a perfect example of an ordinary person stepping out of his comfort zone to do extraordinary things. Nehemiah was not a prophet, not a priest or king. He was a businessman who listened to his heart, and his heart was beset with grief over the destruction that had resulted in Jerusalem after he and his fellow Jews were captured and led into exile. And rather than wallow in his fear and despair, he decided to do something about it, and although he didn’t know exactly what that would be, he was willing to take the first step. That’s all it takes.

Our MemberPartners have taken the first step in creating something out of their faith and their commitment to Christ and the Catch family. We applaud them, and will be letting you know all month how you can take the next steps, and the next, and the next .… Just like Nehemiah. It’s going to be fun and challenging; you won’t want to miss a day!