”..and who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure to his stature or to the span of his life?” Matthew 6:27

The point is quickly made that worry is useless. It does not accomplish any good thing. If that is so, then why worry, why be so anxious?

- Joyce Meyer: ‘Battlefield of the Mind’

Worry and anxiety are something I’m all to familiar with. If there is one struggle I can admit that I have, it’s worrying. Worrying about my health mostly.. This isn’t something I usually discuss openly, and it is not easy to discuss, but maybe it will have a positive affect one someone else.

It all started when I was 11 years old. My family and I were getting ready to take a trip to Hollywood for the first time, a place I’ve always dreamed of going. When I was younger, I didn’t care to notice how rough of a town it was. And to be honest, I still don’t care. I still see a bit of magic enveloped over Los Angeles.. anyways, (don’t get me started on my love for Hollywood ha) a few days before we left, I got a stomach bug. Although I was completely fine, I decided not to take the trip. I was devastated. Ever since that day in August of 2003 (yes, I remember the month) I had extreme fear of throwing up. No matter where I was going, who I was with, or what I was doing. It was the first thought in my head when I woke up, and the last thought I had when I went to sleep. The fear completely took over my life, for years sadly. It was something I was very good at hiding, therefore, I told no one. Because of that, here I am 8 years later, with a part of me still struggling to overcome. No doubt I am a LOT better, but it still lingers in the back of my mind every here and there..

I often wondered if I would ever be able to fulfill my dream of playing music for a living, but I made up my mind, fears or not, I will continue in the path God has set before me. There is only so much of a strong hold worry and fear can have on your life, if you seek after God. It’s the only thing that has kept me going.. So my whole reason for sharing this, is because I want you to know there is hope. No matter your problem. Don’t be afraid to speak to a loved one about it, or worry that people will judge you. If they do, they aren’t worth having around, and they will only use your problem to mask theirs. If you persevere, trust, and move ahead, you WILL see victory. It’s taken very tiny baby steps, long painful days, a mind full of torment and extreme wear on my body, but it in no way defines who I am. Don’t let issues take away from the person, gift, heart, talent or personality you have/are either.

Don’t run because something is uncomfortable, or else you will never make progress. Force yourself to endure and change your mindset. Half of the troubles in life are HOW you look and think about them.

The sun will rise tomorrow, bringing you new blessings and new grace. Breathe in. You can do it, I promise :)