Fear typically freaks us out, right?

It unnerves our plans and hopes. It makes us withdrawn and impatient. Ok, well, maybe I'll just speak for myself--it does those things to me.

Most times, we look at people doing risky stuff and imagine that they're fearless. 

But they're not. 

None of us are. 

Can you be afraid and have hope at the same time?

Can you be afraid and be brave at the same time?

Yes. I believe you can. I'm currently living proof of that.

We're walking through a recent layoff. In a few weeks, we're out of money. It's a scary place to find a family of five. Terrifying really, and something that people typically share after the resolution has presented itself. Part of me feels like I shouldn't write about this until the happy ending has come. It's much easier to share our story when the pretty bow is there at the end. When you and I can both breathe a sigh of relief and have a good laugh, "Wow! That was nuts! Glad it worked out, though!" But that feels inauthentic somehow--sharing, only during the good times.

There's no pretty bow. But there is hope.

Somehow, I have hope. 

I can't explain how it works, but I know that my faith journey helps to keep fear in check and my expectation for good alive and vibrant. 

Fear does not make you frail. It makes you human. 

I don't think we have to marinate in worry and anxiety, but I do think that we shouldn't shame ourselves with our humanity. 

Fear does not make you frail. It makes you human. 

What you do with that emotion that matters. 

How do you manage fear in your life?