encouragement Archives - Page 3 of 4

Lights In The Darkness

Posted on April 20, 2016April 20, 2016 by Susan Panzica

Driving past the airport in the 4 am darkness, looking out the window, I saw acres of blue lights shining like glowing forget-me-nots on a black velvet carpet. From my ground level view, they looked totally random and downright messy.

But from above, these blue dots guide pilots to the correct destination avoiding total disaster. Each light is part of a complex pattern directing the plane to the proper runway to safely land from the sky, and then leading the pilot to the exact gate.

As the plane readied to take off, I noticed the control tower. In the midst of all the chaos, traffic controllers provided needed guidance and instruction. And when I landed, the ground crew further directed the pilot.

Just the perspective I needed that morning as I reflected on the random messes in my life. To me, these events and relationships are confusing and sometimes distressing. But to God, they’re part of an intricate pattern He designed to bring me to the destination He has in mind.

Both by His Spirit and through people on the ground, God provides the guidance and encouragement I need to continue on the journey He has set before me.

We often want our circumstances and our future to be clearly laid out before us. On this journey we’re traveling, God’s Word is a “lamp to our feet and a light to our paths.” (Ps. 139:105) It is not like a stadium floodlight that makes the night as bright as day. It’s more like a flashlight in the dark allowing us to see one step at a time. Perhaps if we could see more, we’d run the other way. But God leads us providing the peace and the strength to continue forward with trust that someday we will know. “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” 1 Cor. 13:12

God is faithful. He will lead, and guide, and prompt us to follow. He wants us to do His will even more than we do. Too often, we seek a sign before we move. What He desires is for us to seek His way, to seek to be taught, to be sensitive to His leading and obedient to His call.

There are things that are crystal clear – activities and attitudes to avoid, and those to pursue. That’s where our focus should be. For what is not clear, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). We walk according to what is clear and trust Him to reveal the rest in His timing.

How to make it through the journey? Follow the directions for what you can see, and trust God for what you can’t see!

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. Heb. 11:1 (The Message)

In The Middle – the dark place between sorrow and joy

Posted on March 26, 2016March 31, 2018 by Susan Panzica

Today we are in the middle.

Yesterday was Good Friday –

the pain of suffering,

despair, heartache,

the event that left us full of tears

Tomorrow is Easter –

the joy of new life,

resurrection,

rising from the ashes of pain

Today we are just in the middle-

the preparing for tomorrow’s feast,

tomorrow’s worship,

tomorrow’s new garments

Do you ever feel – in the middle? Having experienced tragedy or loss, but waiting for the future hope and peace that is promised? We must wait, but not as those with no hope. It was while Jesus was waiting that He set the captives free.

When I was in Israel, one of the most powerful moments for me was at the Garden Tomb. I entered the empty tomb, and after my eyes adjusted to the darkness, saw the white garments folded on the stone bench. Turning to exit the tomb and enter the light, I saw a rough, wooden sign that read:

“He is not here;

he has risen,

just as he said.”

Matt. 28:6

Seeing those words in that place was a powerful reminder that He has risen. The full verse includes the words JUST AS HE SAID! So what else did He say?

We have been healed:“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”-1 Peter 2:24

We have a future:“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

So we must:“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Titus 1:2

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

Today, while still in the middle, this is my prayer for you:“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

My heart is grieving for a family that suffered a tragic loss. They are in the dark Saturday tomb and have lost hope for the future. They aren’t preparing for a glorious tomorrow. They are clinging to the pain of today. Perhaps you are in that place too or know someone stuck in their dark night of the soul, a place we are meant to transverse, not dwell.

The angels at the tomb asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee…” Lk. 24:5-6

Oh that we could stop looking among the dead, in the dark, but remember and cling to what He told us, the hope for the future.

Today let us pray together that you and they and we all may remember the truth He told us and catch of glimmer of the glorious hope to come.

May you have a most blessed Resurrection Day! May you rejoice with Him who rose from the dead to give you eternal life, who endured the darkness to bring us with Him into the light. And may you be preparing for the ultimate feast, worship and garments yet to come!!

Who’s calling you?

Posted on March 11, 2016March 10, 2016 by Susan Panzica

“AJ, COME HERE!!”

My son AJ turned and put down the rake. Sweaty and tired from his backyard landscaping project, the last thing he expected was to hear our beloved neighbor across the street calling him so harshly. “There must be something wrong,” he thought. And there it was again.

“AJ, COME HERE NOW!!!”

Bewildered, AJ sauntered across the street and saw Kim in her front yard, hands cupped aside her mouth, bellowing, “AJ, COME HERE!”

“Kim, is something wrong?”

Her eyes landed on AJ, and when she saw the expression on his face, Kim broke out in hysterical laughter, hands on knees, almost rolling over into the driveway. It was several minutes before she was able to compose herself enough to squeak out the story. She was dog-sitting, and AJ-the dog had run away down the street.

AJ-the son, greatly relieved that she was calling AJ-the dog, ran off to retrieve the missing pet.

There’s an important lesson we can glean from this light-hearted case of mistaken identity.

Often, we hear someone calling our name. We hear a familiar “voice” speaking harshly to us.

We “hear” that we’re not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough. The voice tells us we’re too fat, too skinny, too tall, too short. We hear that no one cares about us, or that we totally messed up, or that it’s just too hard, so give up.

And we entertain that voice, letting it entangle in our brains or pierce our hearts, mulling over these accusations as if they were true – but they’re not.

Referring to the devil, Jesus said, “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

When we hear these words of condemnation and criticism, we need to quickly recognize that they are not the voice of God who calls us with conviction and compassion. And then we need to combat them with truths of God’s Word – where He calls us His beloved, precious, chosen, child, friend, the apple of His eye!

When you hear those lies and accusations, won’t you choose to listen to the voice of truth? Philippians 4:8 says

^“Finally, … sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

This is an instruction = “Think on these things” – not a suggestion or a wishful thinking = not “try to think…”

God would not instruct us to do something that is impossible. When you catch yourself drifting into false thoughts, lasso those thoughts – “take every thought captive.”

And the result of applying this Scripture to your thought life?

The verses before and after Phil. 4:8 tell us the peace of God will guard your heart and mind (v.7) and the God of peace will be with you(v.9). Your thoughts are surrounded by the bookends of peace!

” You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in You,
all whose thoughts are fixed on You!”

Isaiah 26:3

He’s With Us!

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Susan Panzica

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel”

(which means “God with us”).

Matt. 1:22-23, Is. 7:14

My friend experienced a horrific family tragedy not long ago. Yet miraculously she glows with the grace of God. When I told her this, she simply shrugged and said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing. So I’m with Him.”

Another friend with ongoing family heartbreak told me about a sermon that spoke to her, and said, “There’s a miracle coming out of that mess!” That sermon’s title? “Emmanuel, God With Us.”

Mary of Nazareth, an unwed pregnant teenager. Her betrothed, Joseph was about to divorce her when an angel assured him that this miracle Child would fulfill the prophesy that the virgin’s child would be named Immanuel meaning “God would with us.”

Yes, He came to be our Savior, to redeem us.
Yes, He came to set an example.
Yes, He came to give us life, abundant life.

But, He also came simply to be with us.

To be with us in the tragedy, providing grace and peace through the storm.
To be with us in the joy, multiplying it and giving it meaning.
To experience life with us that we might experience life with Him. Glorious!

Are you with Him?
Because He said that if you’re not, then you’re against Him. Ouch!

So if you don’t sense that you are WITH Him – seek Him without delay.
Seek Him with your whole heart.

Repent of anything that would hinder His presence in your life.

He came to be with us.
Anything less is less than best.

From Jesus Calling ~ “When you sit quietly with Me, the process I went through is reversed in your experience. As you identify with Me, heaven’s vistas open up before you – granting you glimpses of My Glory.”

I pray your CHRISTmas is filled with His presence, the greatest present of all!

“He will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace….

Immanuel.“

Isaiah 9:6, 7:14

You’re Never Too Old

Posted on September 16, 2015October 14, 2015 by Susan Panzica

“You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

Seeing that quote as a footnote in a friend’s email made me smile. For the past few months, I’d been feeling pretty creaky. And not just in my cartilage-depleted knees. With a milestone birthday approaching, I was really feeling my age. Or was I?

Milestone birthdays have a way of doing that – making you feel old. But when I stopped to evaluate the big picture, I had a realization. I might look old, but I sure don’t feel old. I’m doing more now than I’ve ever done.

Six years ago, when my kids started college, I started writing. I joined a writers’ group, went to a few conferences, and put myself to the task of learning the craft and business of writing. With a few published articles under my belt, I’m self-publishing a children’s story this month, and working on two proposals for traditionally published books.

Two years ago, I co-founded Justice Network, a human trafficking awareness organization. After hearing more about the issue, having a life-changing nightmare, and feeling convicted to do something, I reached out to a friend, and our collaboration of two grew into a small but mighty group that has had a global impact.

No one is more surprised than me at these turns of events. I fully planned to relax and have a laid back empty-nester season of life, but God had other plans.

I’m not unique. There’s a whole garden of late-bloomers. <<Click To Tweet

At 65 years old, Harlan David (Colonel) Sanders faced a failing business due to the construction of Interstate 75 which diverted traffic away from the service station where he sold his not-yet-famous chicken. Not to be deterred, he took his recipe on the road, walking long miles, being rejected 1009 times before finally succeeding in the franchise we know and love as Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Peter Roget proved it’s never too late to create a new invention, such as the Thesaurus. Suffering from OCD since childhood, he often made random lists to calm himself. At 73, he started the project of creating a list of synonymous words. Roget’s Thesaurus has never been out of print since its initial appearance in 1852.

Grandma Moses switched to painting from embroidery at age 75 due to painful arthritis. After her paintings were discovered in a drugstore window, a NY gallery show led to worldwide fame. She created over 3600 paintings, continuing her art until close to her death at age 101.

On June 28, 2015, Stanislaw Kowalski became the world’s oldest athlete, competing in track and field events at 105 years of age, and necessitating the creation of a new age division for World Masters Athletics.

You don’t have to be a well-known achiever to live with distinction. <<Click to Tweet

My hero in the faith, Ida Anderson, was a dear friend and someone most people would overlook. But I could create a list as long as Roget’s of her many virtues and the unnoticed kindnesses she did for people. When she got too old and infirmed to go out, she started a prayer ministry. Wanting to be an active servant of the Lord, she requested that before people drop off clothing donations to charity, they bring them to her so she could wash them.

In the final letter of his life, the apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:6-8

That prize is for all of us, no matter how old we are. To finish our race well and eagerly look forward to His appearing, we must continue with what He calls us to at every stage of life.

Hang In There!

Posted on April 9, 2015October 14, 2015 by Susan Panzica

Easter Sunday morning, there was still a little pile of snow tucked into the garden beside my driveway. The recent rain, wind and warmer weather washed away much of the snow; yet there still remained piles of graying white. For months they sat like giant beached whales. Mounds of snow, at the edges of fences, by the sides of highways, in corners of parking lots. For the entire winter, our lawns were cloaked in white.

Each of those snowflakes that fell en masse last January were so delicate, it’s amazing that they are still present in April. What can we learn from these fragile flakes that have such staying power?

1. They stick together.

Despite the fact that one person can make a difference – which I absolutely believe – it is also true that there is power in numbers.

We simply were not made to go it alone. God made us to be part of a body, His body. He made us for fellowship. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another. Heb 10:25

God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness..” Gen 1:26 He is one God, but He is a plural God (like one family or one class or one snowstorm are singular, yet are plural.) He is in fellowship with Himself. We are made in His image, and therefore, we need to be in the fellowship of believers. We are made that way for a reason. We are stronger together than we are alone.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl. 4:12

2. They were pushed out of their comfort zone.

Oh, it’s so much easier to stay within our comfort zone, isn’t it? But those flakes that remained so comfortable out on the open lawn were the first ones to melt away. It was the plowed flakes, the ones that got pushed and shoved around that remained. If the snowflakes could speak, they would say that it sure didn’t feel good at the time. To the snowflake, the plow seemed brutal, a real bully. But it was precisely because it yielded to the plow that it survived.

When we don’t understand our circumstances or we have to change our status quo, we need to recognize that there is Someone greater than ourselves in control, Someone who has our best interests at heart.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11

If you’ve been trying to go it alone or if you’ve been facing a difficult struggle, hang in there and be encouraged by remembering that frail snowflake that first arrived in January and is still hanging around in April.

On Being A Jewish Tax Collector and Meeting Jesus At The Beach

Posted on February 27, 2015October 14, 2015 by Susan Panzica

I grew up in a Jewish home, a mosh-pit of damaged emotions….

After college, I worked for the U.S. Customs Service in the World Trade Center in New York City. My job was the appraisement and classification of imported merchandise, determining the amount of tariffs and duties that importers would pay the government. I advanced quickly through the ranks and had friends with whom I socialized after work.

On the outside, life seemed good. Inside, the questions and insecurities kept growing. As Charles Dickens said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

In the summer of 1979, I rented a house in the Hamptons, Long Island, with three girlfriends. Just a converted two-room garage, it was home to us. Despite many rainy weekends, we had a blast. We’d arrive late on Friday night, drink and dance in the bars all night, then sleep on the beach the next day.

Please visit me at Circles of Faith for my testimony about how I came to Jesus.

Not So Great Expectations

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Susan Panzica

On Saturday, I heard barely a peep about the snow, just that 2-4 inches were expected. We got 12-14 inches.

But on Monday, the coming snow was all anyone could talk about on TV, radio, social media. Blizzard warnings and expectations of 18-24 inches, whirred people into a frenzy.

It turned out to be the storm that wasn’t. Oh we did get snow, about 8 inches in my area, but the storm stayed farther east than expected and hit areas farther north.

“Jan. 27, 2015 will go down in the annals of history as the day New Jersey came to a standstill for a blizzard in another state.” nj.com

Forecasters blamed it on “sinking air” and gushed apologies. “My deepest apologies to many key decision makers and so many members of the general public,” said Gary Szatkowski, meteorologist-in-charge … “You made a lot of tough decisions expecting us to get it right, and we didn’t. Once again, I’m sorry.”

From politicians to business owners to school superintendents to stay-at-home moms, we all made decisions based upon expectations: closing services and roads, early dismissals from schools and businesses, buying more groceries than we could consume in a month.

People complained when we were expecting snow.

Then they complained when we got less than expected.

What was it that fueled these complaints? Not the snow, but rather the expectations of it and their response to those expectations.

It’s not just about snowfalls. It’s about life.

Disappointment is a direct result of expectations that aren’t valid. <<Click to tweet>>

And when we place expectations on someone else’s performance, our disappointment stems from our error, not theirs. We expect those who serve in ministry to be perfect, yet they are as human as we are. We expect our loved ones to behave in the way that we want them to, sometimes even completely contrary to their nature. We want our husbands to purchase the perfect gift by reading our minds, supernaturally knowing our secret wish. Or perhaps we want him to say just the right thing, or pick up a dishtowel, or put the kids to bed. We want our children to never embarrass us by saying or doing the “wrong” thing. We want our relatives to gather together as warmly as an idyllic Hallmark Christmas special.

Through the marriage ministry at my church, learning what makes an expectation valid has changed my marriage, my relationships with others, my life. There are 4 criteria to make an expectation a valid one. Expectations must be:

Conscious
Realistic
Spoken
Agreed Upon

All these criteria are important. We need to be consciously aware that we have certain expectations. We need to speak and share them. They absolutely need to be realistic. And that last one is key. I often think my expectations of others are realistic, but if the other person hasn’t agreed to it, it is not a valid expectation.

When I’m disappointed by myself or someone else, I either feel my blood start to boil with anger or I spiral downward into a depression. I’ve learned to stop and consider if my expectations were valid. Did they meet each of the criteria? Mostly, I evaluate: did the other person agree to what I expected of him/her? Because if they didn’t, my expectation isn’t valid, and I’m the one who needs to change the situation.

Is there a disappointment with someone in your life today? Can you apply the criteria above to see if perhaps you are harboring an invalid expectation? And if so, allow God to release your disappointment and to restore your relationship. Share your expectation, and see if you can agree on a realistic solution. You’ll be glad you did!

As for the snow, well…. there’s isn’t much we can do about the weather. And there are no agreements to be made. But we can choose our reaction, and enjoy it the best we can.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:11-13

Let Me Introduce You ~ and Blog Hop

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Susan Panzica

At last week’s writers conference, I had the pleasure of meeting Kathryn Ross who invited me to participate in my first ever “blog hop.” The rules are simple: I have to answer 4 questions and introduce you to 3 blogger friends. Kathryn is a dynamic writer, filled with joy and creativity. Although she is much more artistic – and Victorian – than I am, we were instantly kindred spirits who both write using everyday situations and occurrences to highlight eternal spiritual truths.

So without further ado, here are the 4 questions:

1 – What am I writing or working on?

Right now, I’m working on various projects including articles and blogposts, but always in the mix is my book about our identity in Christ. At a recent writers conference, I received some great feedback and opportunities so my book project has moved to the forefront after several years of languishing.

2 – How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Like Kathryn and others, I bring an eternal perspective to earthly matters. Much like Jesus used lilies of the field, vines and fruit, sheep and goats, or types of soil, I use everyday observations and experiences highlight the divine in the ordinary, mundane things like frying pans and chipmunks. But I also try to challenge conventional thinking. For example, I don’t picture the Bride of Christ as a lovely lady in a frilly gown. I see a tough man who wears camel hair! After all, it was John the Baptist who first to referred to Jesus as the Bridegroom.

3 – Why do I write what I write?

Short answer – God called me to. I feel compelled to share, much like Paul who said, “For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord…” I’m relatively new to writing. Though I have been a speaker for many years, the concept for my book nudged me into new territory, and I find I’m loving it! My heart is to be an encourager, and writing gives me increasing opportunities to do that.

4 – How does my writing process work?

With my work schedule (3 l-o-n-g days a week), I dedicate my Tuesdays to writing, working on several projects including articles and blogposts, along with the book proposal and edits. Despite advice from accomplished writers to write at least a little every morning, I am just not a morning person and have no creativity at that time. Setting aside a block of time works better for me. As for the process itself, I keep a notebook by my bedside, in my handbag, in my car, and a note app on my phone, so whenever a thought or idea pops into my brain, I write it down. These become great fodder for illustrations or talking points in any piece of writing.

Now to introduce my fellow bloggers. Please stop by and visit their blogs. All are great writers, and I’m thrilled to say that all three are dear friends!

Elise Daly Parker writes at Our Stories, God’s Glory. She’s also the Executive Editor and co-founder of Circles of Faith, where I am a contributing writer. She is absolutely certain that we all have amazing God stories of transformation and redemption and is committed to helping people share their stories. She believes stories have power to enlighten and inform. Elise is a professional writer/editor for 30 years, a college essay coach, and a speaker and Mentor Mom for MOPS.

Kimberly Amici, is the other co- founder of Circles of Faith, and its Managing Editor. She writes about life with children at her blog, Living In The Sweet Spot. Kimberly is a gifted designer and artist, known for her creativity, strong faith, and commitment to living life with purpose and passion. Kimberly is a writer and community builder whose desire is for hearts to be healed, minds to be renewed and women to be connected in fellowship just as God intended.

Ann Van Hine is a friend for over 30 years, but we recently reconnected thanks to our new love for writing. Ann’s passion is “telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of our Lord and Savior.” Ann is a widow of 9/11 firefighter Bruce, a volunteer docent at the 9/11 Tribute Center Memorial in NYC, head of children’s ministries for the NY District of the Nazarene Church, and a speaker across the US and the world. Ann blogs at Random Ramblings.

So there you have it! Three more wonderful women to connect with thanks to modern technology! I hope you enjoy their writing as much as I do.

The Hero Mom

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Susan Panzica

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY

One of the hundreds of gazebos along the trails

She sat peacefully in a wooden gazebo by the water’s edge, half facing the water, head swiveled backward keeping a watchful eye on her howling daughter standing on the rocks behind her about 10 feet away.

At Mohonk Mountain House, the breathtaking scenic vistas, rock climbs, miles of hiking trails, crystal clear mountain-top lake, can be best described as serene.

At least it was until the silence was broken by the little girl’s screaming tantrum.

“M . O . M . M . Y…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The rest was unintelligible and unrelenting. Tears streaming, arms outstretched, begging Mommy to come and carry her to the gazebo.

And Mommy sat, not moving. But, gently repeating the same few words, over and over again. “You can do it. Just take one step at a time.”

It would have been so much easier to pick up her daughter, to comfort her, to coddle her, than to remain steadfast in the face of such despair. She could have worried what passersby thought of her, letting her daughter cry on like that. But she demonstrated a resolve to help her daughter overcome fear. One step at a time.

I wanted to go over to her and encourage Mommy and tell her what a great mom she was. She probably didn’t feel like a great mom then. But I kept on walking. I rationalized that it would have spoiled the moment, but I still regret it. Maybe she’ll read this.

She was a hero that day. Not the kind we read about on the front page. But the kind that makes the tough choices in the trenches to stay the course, to teach her child, to allow her child to experience a victory that would be missed if she took the easy way. Or maybe a failure that would be a stepping stone for a future victory. It is just one moment that will build upon the next and the next, ultimately creating a life of character and courage.

When my daughter was little, she had lots of fears. So did I. And so when Lauren was afraid to order ice cream at the local snack bar, she’d ask her younger brother to order for her. I remembered being the oldest of 3 siblings, but the most afraid. And I remembered how bad I felt about myself when my younger siblings would easily do things that terrified me, like go on rides or speak up for themselves. So when I saw my daughter following my footsteps, I became a “mean mom.” With sorrow, I told Lauren that unless she ordered the ice cream herself, she couldn’t have it. Many times she did without her favorite snack because she was afraid to ask for it.

I didn’t feel like a hero. I felt like a heel.

But now 20 years later, Lauren not only orders her ice cream, she has traveled the world on mission trips and lived in Australia for 1½ years. She has a grand vision to build a unique powerful ministry. She dreams big dreams that we all know will come true. She has impacted the lives of students in her classes and young girls in youth groups. When she faced rejection and difficulties pursuing her studies and career in dance, I gently repeated the same words over and over again. “You can do it. Just take the next step.”

I was, and am, far from a perfect mom. But in this, I’m thankful that I was able to stand firm. And so is Lauren.

To all the moms being honored today, I salute you. Not just today, but for what you do each day that goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Making one seemingly small decision or action will build upon the next until a million small hard moments build a lasting legacy.

And you moms who experience fear, God tells us “You can do it. One step at a time.” He orchestrates opportunities for us to face and thus overcome our fears. Today is Part One of my series on Vanquishing Fear. In the weeks to come, I’ll share some stories of my battles to overcome fear.

What do you think?

Do you struggle with personal fears?

Is it hard to be the “mean mom?” If so, look for my friend Joanne Kraft’s book later this year. The Mean Mom’s Guide To Raising Great Kids