You. Hey you! The younger Ellen. The one with no wrinkles or gray hair. The one that weighs a lot less and whose bones don’t ache. Yeah, you.
I’ve got a few years of experience under my belt now. Here’s what I’d tell you:
Don’t let fear control you. Don’t let it keep you from walking in holy confidence. You’re scared to speak in front of a room full of people? What’s the worse that could happen? They would laugh at you? That you would mess up, or stumble on your words? It’s ok, you’re human. You will make mistakes. Sometimes people will snicker at those mistakes. Does it really matter?
God’s not laughing at you. He’s happy that you’re being brave and getting out of your comfort zone. He’s happy that you are relying on Him to strengthen you and provide the words you need. He loves you more than anything, and wants you to depend on His power and not your own. Let Him be your Abba Father.
You’re scared to take that hike up to the edge of the cliff? You’re scared of the hurricane force winds that are blowing? You’re scared of taking that cruise, driving that highway or flying on that plane? What’s the worse that could happen? You could die. And because you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus as your Savior, you’d go to heaven. I know it’s hard for you to see now, when you’re young and just beginning your life, but dying and going to heaven isn’t all that bad. There is no more crying or pain in heaven. Besides, the Lord put you here. When it’s your time, He will take you home. Don’t live recklessly, but don’t let fear rob you of a sense of adventure.
The Bible repeatedly says not to fear or be afraid. Don’t fear the things of this world or your circumstances, fear God.
“Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness…He is our help and shield.” Psalm 3:18, 20b
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.” Psalm 34:7
He will help you, shield you and rescue you!
Don’t neglect your relationship with Christ. He knew you before He formed you in Mama’s womb. He has a plan and a purpose for you. Don’t waste precious years living your way and neglecting Him. You wouldn’t do that to your earthly Mama and Daddy, would you? You wouldn’t just run off and make a life without them. They are your parents. In the same way, don’t neglect your Heavenly Father. He loves you so much He sent His Son to die for all those sins of yours. Jesus died for you. You live for Him.
I’m sorry to be so hard on you. I can look back and see all the wrong turns, all the mistakes, all the time you wasted. I see that you didn’t live the abundant life God gave you. But here’s what else I see:
I need you so that I can see my younger self – warts and all. I need to see the mistakes you’ve made so I can see how God has worked in our life. And I know this: God doesn’t waste anything. He will use all our mistakes for good. He will use them all for His glory, for His story.
Now, how are you going to live? Don’t make me come back here in ten or fifteen years and fuss at you again!
Until next week,
Linking up this week with these lovely writers:
Suzie Eller, Live Free Thursday
Bonnie at Faith Barista
Susan at Dance with Jesus
Barbie at The Weekend Brew
Kelly at Purposeful Faith
Holly at Testimony Tuesday
Holley at Coffee for Your Heart
Jennifer at Tell His Story
Gosh, I love this, Ellen! If only we really could tell ourselves this when needed, lol. Oh, the things I would tell my younger self. But it’s wonderful to know God will use it ALL to weave our story even more beautifully.
The line I love to bits : “… don’t let fear rob you of a sense of adventure.” Yes!
Living for Him, your sister from #livefreeThursday and Beloved Brews 🙂
Hey Christine! Oh, the times I have fussed at my younger self! And oh, so thankful that He will finish the work He has begun in me! Thank you for stopping by!
Amazing the perspective that comes with age. It’s so encouraging to look back and see just how far we’ve come – especially when it seems we are ‘stuck’. Thanks for sharing!
Kamea
Hi Kamea! Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate your kinds words! Blessings to you!
It is amazing when we look back and see where we have come from and things that were poor choices God has had his hand and it came out okay. Great post. Your neigbor at Living free. Diana
Thank you for your sweet words Diana! I appreciate you!
What a great note to your younger self! And you must’ve been talking to me too — because I tend to have issues with fear too. I got chills when you said not to let fear rob you of your sense of adventure. I really needed that.
Oh, Claresa! I am 56 years old, and it wasn’t until almost 4 years ago that I stopped letting fear control me! It took my Mom’s death, and me realizing that life is too short, before I let that fear go! Praise God! Don’t let it control you!! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I love, love, love seeing people find freedom from fear! As I read, I found myself giving speeches too. And to the old me – or I guess that would be the young me! – it’s “Angela, quit thinking the bondage comes in serving Jesus. Don’t be afraid of surrender. That’s where the freedom is!”
Making up time,
Your #livefreeThursday sister
Amen, Angela! The freedom is in the surrender! When we surrender that fear to Christ, we can #livefree! Thank you for your insights! Blessings to you today!
Oh Ellen, I love this! The things I could tell my younger self are crazy long. But this would also be my primary message — don’t let fear stop you. Ever.
Thank you Suzie! I’m so thankful that Christ can use all my messes and the times I was too fearful to step out in faith, for His glory! You’re right: don’t EVER let fear stop you! Times a wastin’! He’s got us covered!
Great reminders here, Ellen, to not let fear hold us back and to fully live for Christ’s glory.
Thank you Crystal! Thanks for stopping by!
Love this Ellen. I wish I could rite a letter to my younger self and tell me all those good things.
You can Christy! #Writeon Thanks for visiting, I appreciate your encouraging comments!
Ellen, thank you for stopping by blog yesterday. It was so good to meet you and I have to ask exactly where in South Louisiana you live. I grew up in Evangeline Parish and have also lived in Alex, New Iberia and Houma and have family in Lafayette and Marksville. I so enjoyed reading your letter to your younger self. It is that younger me who even though perhaps rebellious, that God used to develop the current me. I need to be able to forgive her more though, I think.
Hello there, Libby! What a small world! I live in New Iberia! Thank you for stopping by! Ooh, a rebellious, younger self! So thankful that He molds us into His image.
You just made me smile a much needed smile. Love it! Simple but life-changing advice. It’s never too late to implement every word you said either. Thank you for the encouragement!
Thank YOU Kasey! And you’re right, it is NEVER too late! Praise God, He never gives up on us! I’m so glad you stopped by, you have a way of encouraging me!
Ellen, I love this! I was just thinking last week about what I’d say to my younger self. Funny that you would write the same thing. I guess as we age, we think about such things. Great post. I enjoyed reading it. Visiting from the Weekend Brew.
Hi Mary! Thanks for dropping in. Yes, as I creep up in age, I tend to think about all my younger self should have known! Thank you for your comments, I enjoy hearing them! Hey, let me know when you post your letter to your younger self!
Sometimes don’t you wish you’d known at 30 what you know now? I’m 51 (this May), so I’m right behind you Ellen. I wonder what our 70 year old selves would say? Letting go of fear and being more adventuresome is a great way to grow older!
Oh, Betsy, I believe I could write a book to my younger self at 70! But then again, I would need a proposal and sample chapters 🙂
I love this and I love seeing you at The Weekend Brew. A letter to your younger self is a great way to reflect on life lived but also a way to make the most of all that is to come. Have a blessed weekend!
Thank you Mary! I always enjoy your posts and The Weekend Brew! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! Sweet words Ellen, i understand the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The only weapon the devils uses is fear, i fear not because my powerful God lives
Amen Stephen! Perfect love casts out fear! Thank you for your comments and for stopping by my little ordinary corner of the web!
Ellen, you always manage to bring a big smile to my face with your posts! Can’t wait to get together at She Speaks this year, friend!
YAY Kristine! I’m excited to get to see you again! Looking forward to She Speaks!
Such affirming words–“Don’t fear the things of this world or your circumstances, fear God.” This is exactly the message God is speaking to my heart today, from every direction. Thanks, Ellen, for allowing us to read your letter to your younger self. So encouraging…so full of hope.
Thank you Sabra! I love when God sends confirmations to us via multiples messages. Thank you for your encouraging comments!
Don’t live recklessly, but don’t let fear rob you of a sense of adventure.
Don’t make me come back here and fuss…
LOVE this post Ellen. So very true…if I knew then what I know now….
So glad you joined the dance this week–see you Friday!
Susan
Thanks for stopping by Susan! Hindsight is 20-20, amen?
Thank you! I really needed this…especially the part about fear. It’s like it was written for me. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Sarah! Let your strong faith fight your fear! Blessings to you!
Thanks for your encouragement. I didn’t realize for a long time that I do have fears that hinder me. Thank God I have Him.
Amen Gina! Our fears can be conquered through Him! I appreciate your comments, thanks so much for stopping by!
What a neat post, Ellen. Loved how you wrote this to yourself. And it’s so true…we fear, but there’s so much more to His love. Joining you via #TestimonyTuesday.
Hey Kristi! Thanks so much for stopping in! Fear does seem to strike a chord with most people. Praise God, with Him we can overpower those fears!
Ellen this is such a glorious post full of wisdom and it is really helpful, godly advice! Thank you for sharing your heart! God bless you, friend! 🙂
Hello sweet Ruth! So glad you visited! Thank you for your encouragement! I appreciate you!
Your wisdom encourages my soul Ellen. Thank you for speaking fearlessness into my heart. It doesn’t matter what others think; it matters what God thinks. I celebrate you for being one to speak these things and to be brave enough to walk fearlessly. Go Ellen Go! I cheer your words from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.
Amen Kelly! It matters what God thinks, not others! SO thankful for your cheering!
Such solid advice, that we can all stand to be reminded of daily! The truth is so simple, yet so profound! Blessings! #livefreeThursday