Whether it’s feelings of inadequacy, parenting anxieties, or panic over the latest terrorist tactics in the news, the challenge to face down our fears and to move forward into new, healthful, and bold behaviors is a common thread for January writing and thinking. The problem, however, with this seasonal booster is that the need for courage doesn’t expire on February 1.
Fear Fighting is a year-round calling and Kelly Balarie is a natural born cheerleader, committed to awakening courage in her readers. She has earned some pretty impressive credentials as a fear fighter in her battles with an eating disorder, depression, financial stresses, and family tragedies. She has learned, first hand, that transformation is an act of God that takes place in the present tense. With a raised fist, she trumpets the invitation to be a modern-day Deborah, the fiery woman from the time of the Old Testament Judges who dared to ask questions, listened for God’s answers, ejected the enemy’s lies, timed her move, and then acted in confident belief without fear — because she knew where she was going.
Since no one is completely fearless, everyone can fear less, and learning to live as a fear fighter is best accomplished in community. Kelly has flung the doors open wide, inviting readers into her story and into a network of like-minded warriors through her website and her blog. (Click to visit!)
Fear fighting is a process and growth happens one step at a time. The question that comes to my mind is this: What would you do to a friend who lied to you as often as your fears have? This helpful filter (p. 64) is a tool for identifying the voice inside your head:
- If it woos with the voice of love, it is God.
- If it calls you closer to God, it is God.
- If it speaks truth, it is God.
- If it wants to beat you, tie you, and throw you out back for always being despicable, it is not God.
“Anything not founded in love does not equal God.”
It is no surprise to me that thousands of years ago, Isaiah the prophet also expressed the invitation to become a fear fighter:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” Isaiah 41:10.
In these early days of 2017, it’s a great time to admit to the reality of fears that whisper words of condemnation and failure and to accept the help of others, to learn from their stories, and, most crucially, to enter into the transforming Truth of God’s Word.
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This book was provided by Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Join me here on Thursday for week one of a book discussion group on C.S. Lewis’s novel, Till We Have Faces.
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Living Our Days 
Wow, this lady sounds like my kinda girl.
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I’m so looking forward to reading this book. I love the filter for identifying whether or not it is God’s voice. Thanks for sharing this review, Michele.
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Yes, that was so practical and helpful!
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You’ve convinced me. Looking forward to checking it out! Thanks for sharing, Michele!
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Fear comes too often to call, doesn’t it … and also brings its cousins worry, anxiety, dread along for the ride.
Thanks for sharing love. They say it conquers all …
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True words, Linda! Thanks for reading!
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Great review, Michele! Fear is an enemy that comes in many disguises, but the goal is always the same…to paralyze us and keep us from forward movement. How we handle it’s attack with valor determines the path ahead and speaks to how we grow in our trust of the One who can defeat it best! Blessings to you as always!
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Michele, what a beautiful post. I’ve followed Kelly’s blog for awhile now, and I always glean from her real sharings of life and God. I’m guessing her book is just like that. Sounds like one I need to check out.
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Yes, Kelly’s vulnerability is the perfect medium for carrying her message about fear.
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Loved the book and I love the idea of fearing less ;). That’s an idea I can take to the bank!
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Michele, this is such a wonderful review. This book is on my list to read. I love this statement as it is so true ….”Since no one is completely fearless, everyone can fear less….” This statement went so well with my one word, audacious. Hoping to fear less in 2017.
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I do love your word choice, Joanne. It’s so bold and expectant, and, yes, you will live Kelly’s book.
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Wow … this is a great question, Michele: “What would you do to a friend who lied to you as often as your fears have?” That certainly puts the whole fear discussion in a different light, doesn’t it? (Or, as my girls like to say, “That just escalated in a big hurry!”) I’ve read a lot about Kelly’s book … hope to read it soon. 🙂
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I ask myself that question from time to time. It really does cut to the chase.
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Wise words for the start of the year. The question of if fear was a friend stuck with me too. It helps making “taking captive” fearful thoughts a little more straightforward for me. Those little sidebars for things like identifying God’s voice were also so helpful in outlining cut and dry the truth from the lies. Glad you were blessed by Kelly’s book too, Michele!
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“Since no one is completely fearless, everyone can fear less” <– So true!!
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I like that filter! I’m going to have to get a hold of one of these books.
Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
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