My husband and I entered a home accents store, looking for some decorative pieces for our new home. As soon as we started browsing, I stopped at a session filled with beautiful frames containing pictures, some with funny or inspiring words.

Maybe it is a writer’s natural tendency, but my eyes linger a bit longer in frames with witty or inspirational words when I visit such stores. My house is full of them.

That day was no different. As I entered one of the aisles, a lonely, unpretentious poster, held by a plain gray frame, caught my attention. The simple words, neatly printed in black handwriting style on a white background, brought a smile to my face — the truth behind the simple message hitting a chord with this once fearful, insecure girl:

“What if I fall? Oh, but darling, what if you fly?”

The words made me think of how often fear prevents us from fulfilling our destiny and watching God work in miraculous ways. I know it too well.

Fear prevents us from fulfilling our destiny and watching God work in miraculous ways. @AJC #FearNot #believe #faithoverfear #MondayMotivation #MondayDevotional
Click To Tweet

Fear is real. It is a natural response for seasoned believers, as much as it is for the youngest in the faith.

We find one of the most known verses in Scripture in the first chapter of the book of Joshua:

“Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble and be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

We read Joshua’s story in the books of Exodus, Deuteronomy, Numbers, and the book bearing his name.

Joshua had been with Moses as God empowered Israel’s leader to accomplish the impossible. Repeatedly, he watched as God honored Moses’ faith and took care of his people. Then Moses died, and Joshua found himself leading the challenge to take possession of the Promised Land.

According to the 12 spies sent earlier to survey the surroundings (including Joshua himself), mighty giants awaited across the Jordan. They were bigger, their army stronger than Israel’s. And yet, God’s words were clear: Do Not Be Afraid. Go Get Them.

Joshua knew and trusted his God, but as we read the beginning of his book, we find God encouraging Joshua with the words “be strong and courageous” four times in the first chapter alone. There is no doubt that fear gripped the new leader’s heart as he contemplated the battle ahead.

Fear is indeed the father of many failures. Fear of conflict, fear of shame, fear of rejection, fear that God will leave us alone, and our prayers unanswered. Fear exaggerates the problems, hates the tasks ahead of us, and postpones obedience. Fear says we should not jump because we may fall.

Fear exaggerates the problems, hates the tasks ahead of us, and postpones obedience. Fear says we should not jump because we may fall. @AJC #FearNot #believe #faithoverfear #MondayMotivation #MondayDevotional
Click To Tweet

But we cannot easily count the “fear not’s” in the Bible. At first glance, they may come across as mere soothing words to those distressed by overwhelming circumstances. But in most cases, the “fear not’s” are not meant to be simply calming words. Instead, they are intended to be a faith challenge, a call to fight, or spread our wings and jump into the unknown.

The test is similar to what young birds face when they are ready to start testing their wings. It undoubtedly fears the vast abyss ahead, and sometimes the mother bird must push them out of the nest. As she does, she knows it too well — the air is not nearly as insubstantial as it seems — and her baby will soon learn that its wings were designed to work with the air to provide support. But even if they fail, one of the parents will come to its rescue and carry the baby bird to safety on its strong wings.

The same happens in our lives — we often cannot see where God’s paths lead us, and fear threatens to overcome us when we do not know what lies ahead. When that happens, we can choose to shrink in fear and live a mediocre life … or decide to say yes to God’s charge to conquer the impossible and stand in awe as He delivers His supernatural best.

Whatever giant or challenge you may be facing, remember that “Fear Not” is one of the most repeated principles in Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation.

Be strong and courageous! The same God, who was with Moses and Joshua, is going into battle with you. You can move into the giant’s territory with the confidence that God will fight your battles.

Be strong and courageous! The same God, who was with Moses and Joshua, is going into battle with you. You can move into the giant’s territory with the confidence that God will fight your battles.
Click To Tweet

And if it’s fear of spreading your wings and taking a leap of faith to do something God told you to do, maybe it is time to jump off the side of the mountain with confidence, because God designed you to soar.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, July 15th, 2021. Click HERE to read it on the AJC’s website.

The post A Leap of Faith Can Make You Soar {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“The Supreme Court sided with a California church and declared Gov. Gavin Newsom’s COVID-19 order prohibiting some worship services unconstitutional, UPI reported.”

“The Supreme Court blocked, for now, New York’s restrictions on attendance at religious worship services in the struggle to contain COVID, AP reported.”

The report, published by the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), listed numerous lawsuits and public declarations by government officials and spiritual leaders concerning commercial and religious activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By reading the news and talking with friends who attend different churches, it is clear that the opinions concerning whether houses of worship should remain open during the pandemic are as divergent as the country’s political views. Indeed, differing positions and arguments amongst believers have brought about a new kind of division inside the church.

Pastor Greg Locke from Tennessee, who chose to keep his church’s doors open during the pandemic, is one of the religious leaders attacking his fellow pastors. He posted a video to his 2 million followers on Facebook urging churches and pastors to “stop being cowards” and open their churches. He preaches that he doesn’t want more division in America. His Twitter feed says otherwise.

But he is not alone. The list of pastors and congregants with diverging, utterly opposite opinions concerning the church’s behavior and influence should give us pause during this crisis.

The list of pastors and congregants with diverging, utterly opposite opinions concerning the church’s behavior and influence should give us pause during this crisis. @AJC #faithoverfear #unitedchurch #pandemic #MondayMotivation
Click To Tweet

Arguments among congregants have become heated. Accusations abound, whether outspoken or veiled. The battle is as insidious as it is blinding. It would do the church good if those involved in the fight would open their eyes to the truth: While we battle about whether we should or should not do this or that, the devil is having a heyday.

“Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.”

It would do the church good if those involved in arguments about the pandemic would open their eyes to the truth: While we battle about whether we should or should not do this or that, the devil is having a heyday. @AJC #faithoverfear…
Click To Tweet

These words, found in the accounts of three gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), were Jesus’ response to the Pharisee’s accusation that he was casting out demons by the power of Satan. Jesus’ response was specific for the situation, but it’s nevertheless commonsense in a broader context: any kingdom, institution, or house with opposite powers pulling in different directions cannot succeed.

The church’s division grieves my heart, especially at a time when we should be more united than ever.

With a country highly polarized by racial and political issues, this is the moment when we as God’s people should be all the more united to bring healing and hope to those who are hurting. Instead of wasting time and losing our testimony by angrily exposing our views against our spiritual leaders, it would do us good to direct that same passion at serving the weak and reaching the lost.

Instead of wasting time and losing our testimony by angrily exposing our views against our spiritual leaders, it would do us good to direct that same passion at serving the weak and reaching the lost.@AJC #faithoverfear #unitedchurch…
Click To Tweet

When directing his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul addressed the pervasive division that threatened the unity of the believers in Corinth: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

Paul’s words shout out to the church today. And we should take heed. Therefore, if you are struggling with your spiritual leader’s decisions during this pandemic, rather than creating division and conflict among your fellow congregants, a wise man or woman should know better. We must remember that the congregation’s spiritual leader is accountable to God first for their decisions. If it is the wrong decision, God will hold them responsible, not us. Our job is to pray for those in authority. Period.

We must remember that the congregation’s spiritual leader is accountable to God first for their decisions. If it is the wrong decision, God will hold them responsible, not us.@AJC #faithoverfear #unitedchurch #pandemic #MondayMotivation
Click To Tweet

In the meantime, the discomfort about a church’s position may just be the indication that it’s time for you to assemble elsewhere. And that is completely fine. As Scriptures say, we know that “There is an appointed time for everything under Heaven,” and maybe, just maybe, the discomfort in a particular situation is God’s way of saying this is your time to move on to a different pasture.

At a time when our divided, hurting country needs the healing balm of hope, faith, forgiveness, and grace that only God can provide, let us leave all self-righteousness and judgmental mentality behind. Let us show the world that we have what it takes to be the beacon of light God has called us to be.

At a time when our divided, hurting country needs the healing balm of hope, faith, forgiveness, and grace that only God can provide, let us leave all self-righteousness and judgmental mentality behind.@AJC #faithoverfear #unitedchurch…
Click To Tweet

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, January 30th, 2021. To read it on the AJC’s website, click HERE.

The post Division in the Church During the Pandemic {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

The email caught my husband by surprise. He has worked with the gentleman for three years but did not know that the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York had changed his life forever.

In a short message, his colleague asked my husband to pray for his family. Like many New York residents, 9/11 brings him painful memories. His wife, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and several friends died that dreadful morning. Nineteen years later, his heart still grieves.

To many Americans, the sting and darkness that followed the events of Sept. 11, 2001, are but a memory — another day on the national calendar to remind us to pray for the families of the victims and celebrate the heroes who rushed into burning buildings or bravely charged against the terrorists on United Airlines Flight 93.

An entire generation was born and raised without fully understanding the uncertainty that fell upon America in the aftermath of the attacks.

Like most people, I remember it vividly: The downtown Atlanta skies over the busiest airport in the world, empty of airplane contrails for days; the somber silence that fell over the streets; the eerie quietness which permeated crowded food courts at lunch hour.

We grieved together. We feared together… And we prayed. Oh, how we prayed!

The highways buzzed with traffic on Sunday mornings in the following weeks — people flooding temples as it happens only on Easter Sundays or Passover week.

It was a time of introspection and togetherness.

I remember President George W. Bush’s address to Congress following the attacks. The house, full to the brim, displayed both sides united as I’ve never seen before or since. Democrats and Republicans stood in agreement.

We were one nation under God and (for the most part) fully convinced that only God could see us through. And I genuinely believe that, because we stood together and prayed together, we healed together.

After 9/11, we were one nation under God, convinced that only God could see us through. I genuinely believe that, because we stood together and prayed together, we healed together. #MondayThoughts #remember911
Click To Tweet

We witnessed the same happen when other tragedies stroke our land. Hurricanes that destroyed entire cities. Massive tornadoes that left towns as a heap of debris. Deadly shootings. Wildfires. In each of these tragedies, God’s people rose to pray and commit to standing together.

Indeed, faith and prayer bind people in one common realization: We are not in control.

In times of national tragedies, faith and prayer bind people in one common realization: We are not in control. #MondayMotivation #MondayEncouragement @AJC
Click To Tweet

It does not matter how much money, fame or good health we have. Sooner or later, we are all struck by the realization that we are not masters of our destiny. Whether we submit to the fact that there is a God or not determines how we live through hard times.

With everything happening in America and the world, there seems to have been a shift in the church’s response. I believe many have allowed fear to speak louder than faith.

With everything happening in America and the world, there seems to have been a shift in the church’s response. I believe many have allowed fear to speak louder than faith. #MondayMotivation #MondayEncouragement #letthechurcharise @AJC
Click To Tweet

It’s true — this is a different enemy. One that we have not faced before. And yet, whether it’s COVID-19, the presidential election, the civil unrest in our country, or our next meal, should we not ask our hearts this question:

“Is Yahweh, the God of the Covenant, still on his throne?”

There’s nothing wrong with being proactive and sensible about our well-being. We must take precautions when we get together as a church. We must obey our leaders and set a good example in society.

But when crisis brings forth fear, and fear paralyzes us as a church, aren’t we sending a message contrary to one of God’s most repeated words in the Scriptures? Whether one reads the Torah or the entire Bible, these encouraging words repeat around 365 times between the Old and New Testament:

“Fear Not.”

There’s a reason for that. God knew we need courage more than just about anything else. And so this divine message echoes, unchanged, through the ages:

Governments rise and fall — “Fear Not.”

Economies go up and down — “Fear Not.”

And yes, COVID-19 has changed our society (probably for good), and yet, the message is the same: “Fear Not!”

Indeed, let us remember that our God is still the same and in ultimate control. He hasn’t left His throne and never will. While we face many uncertainties, I say it’s time God’s people take a stand, let the church open its doors, and fear not.

God is still the same and in ultimate control. While we face many uncertainties, I say it’s time God’s people take a stand, let the church open its doors, and fear not. #MondayMotivation #MondayEncouragement #letthechurcharise @AJC
Click To Tweet

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, September 12, 2020. Read it on the AJC Website HERE

LINKUP PARTY opens on Wednesdays at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

LINKUP PARTY! This week, my latest column for the @AJC is a challenge to the church. Let us be cautious, but not fearful - for God is still on the throne! @AJC #RechargeWednesday #Fearnot #Linkup
Click To Tweet

The post Let the Church Be Cautious But Not Fearful {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“Dow drops nearly 10 percent as global coronavirus fears continue to pummel Wall Street.”

“Travelers in Europe, U.S. experience confusion at airports amid coronavirus restrictions.”

“The Coronavirus pandemic is closing schools. How will kids eat?”

Aside from the Democratic primaries, there’s hardly anything more newsworthy these days than the Coronavirus. As one turns on the TV or browses news websites, to say that the virus has created a wave of fear across the world is an understatement.

According to a news outlet, as of Thursday morning, the novel Coronavirus has infected nearly 130,000 people across 108 countries. The death toll is over 4,000 worldwide. In the U.S., 44 states plus the District of Columbia have reported cases of the virus, with over 1,300 people infected and around 30 deaths. Georgia is sixth on the list, with 31 cases (12 confirmed, 19 presumptive), and the first death reported at Wellstar Kennestone hospital this week.

And — of course — during this presidential election year, the health challenge has turned political quickly. Shocker.

Thursday morning started at my house with emails from the national volleyball organizations canceling practices and tournaments until March 22. We had just finished a family discussion about the numerous sporting event cancellations and school closings when my 17-year-old came down the stairs with the news.

“Mom, what if they cancel prom?” cried our high school senior. “And graduation! I have been reading that some schools may cancel graduation ceremonies!” she said, nose buried in her phone, the gadget that has become the bearer of gruesome news for the past weeks. “This is so stupid!”

I cannot fault her for thinking so. In her young mind, the world has gone mad.

I smiled. Fear is powerful, I thought. And there’s a fine line between fear and caution that is sometimes hard not to cross.

Fear is powerful. And there’s a fine line between fear and caution that is sometimes hard not to cross. #Coronavirus #fear #Tuesdaythoughts @AJC
Click To Tweet

There is no question that we should not take the outbreak of the virus lightly. Any time that a virus spreads this quickly, it should be a cause of concern and heightened precautionary measures. But truth be told, this is an old movie playing before our eyes once again.

Fear spreads like wildfire when we face the unknown… or when we face the reality of death.

Remember the Y2K bug?

The “Millennium Bug” was a computer flaw that led to significant anxiety in 1999, when engineers across the world believed that all computer systems would crash for not being able to interpret the “00” algorithms for the new millennium. Cars would stop working. Airplanes might fall from the skies. Automations would freeze.

And Chicken Little went haywire in the minds of everyone who soaked in the bad news without a filter.

Chicken Little goes haywire in the minds of everyone who soaks in the bad news without a filter.#Coronavirus #fear #Tuesdaythoughts @AJC
Click To Tweet

Then there was the swine flu. And Ebola. And the numerous deadly mutations of the flu virus, which seems to suffer from multi-personality disorder.

Truly? If it’s not Corona, it’s something else.

Hurricanes. Earthquakes. Tsunamis. Cancer.

This world will always be “infected” with something disastrous. And every time that it is, the Fear Monster is released.

This world will always be 'infected' with something disastrous. And every time that it is, the Fear Monster is released. #Coronavirus #fear #Tuesdaythoughts
Click To Tweet

In 2016, American Christian rock artist Zack Williams released the song “Fear Is a Liar.” The song peaked at No. 3 on the Hot Christian Songs chart and lasted 31 weeks on the overall chart. It’s no wonder. The lyrics speak to the reality behind fear – a truth that many of us do not seem to grasp at times of distress:

“Fear, he is a liar. He will take your breath. Stop you in your steps. Fear, he is a liar. He will rob your rest. Steal your happiness. Cast your fear in the fire. ‘Cause fear — he is a liar.”

I believe there is a reason the phrase “Fear Not” continually appears in the Bible. As a matter of fact, it is said that God encourages His followers not to fear 365 times in Scriptures. Following these words, one usually finds God’s most comforting promise: “For I am with you.”

Almighty God, knowing the dangers and heartaches of this fallen world, left us a promise to hang on to when our hearts threaten to steal our peace and joy.

Almighty God, knowing the dangers and heartaches of this fallen world, left us a promise to hang on to when our hearts threaten to steal our peace and joy: F.E.A.R. N.O.T.
Click To Tweet

Yes, let us wash our hands more often and avoid crowded spaces. But first and foremost, let us hang on to that promise, shall we? The coronavirus has not taken God by surprise. Let us take each morning a preventive dose of “Fear Not.”

Now, that is a healthy measure!

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, March 13, 2020. Click Here to read on the AJC’s website.

The post Coronavirus – Should We Be Afraid? {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

I remember having the same crippling, often irrational fears for many years: fear of dying. Fear of robbers entering my house. Fear that my parents would die. The list went on and on. As fear settles in our hearts, anxiety takes over, and many of us are robbed of a peaceful, abundant life.

The harmful effects of anxiety are well known to the medical community. In the U.S. alone, 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders. When our bodies are under stress, our nervous system responds with a reaction known as “fight or flight.”

In the U.S. alone, 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders
Click To Tweet

There are times when this physiological reaction is a healthy defense mechanism, such as when a person feels threatened by imminent danger. This reaction tells us when to move out of an unsafe part of town, or it incites us to run when spotting a poisonous snake on the ground. We were born with this important trigger to help protect us from threats.

However, the fight or flight response was never intended to be an ongoing reaction to our problems. Indeed, chronic worry and emotional stress breed terrible health problems. Continuous fight or flight responses cause our body’s nervous system to release stress hormones such as cortisol, which can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides. These hormones cause harmful reactions such as dizziness, increased heartbeat, fatigue, insomnia and headaches.

Needless to say, the long-term effects can be devastating, including suppression of the immune system, digestive disorders and heart disease. In other words, it’s not stress that’s making us ill. It’s our response to stress that is killing us.

I wish I could say that worry and anxiety stopped at the door of our sanctuaries.

But we all know that’s not true. If anything, many people of faith are fretting more than ever. Entire websites are dedicated to disaster preparedness and to tracking events around the globe linked to end-times prophecy. As a Christian, I have studied these prophecies and believe them. But I don’t think this is a time for panic, worrying or fear.

Rather, I’m reminded that one of the most popular commands found in the Bible is “Fear not.” It’s found in almost every one of the books of both the Old and New Testament.

Fear Not. I’ll never leave you. Fear Not. I believe these words. Through my hardest trials I’ve experienced them to be true. I know it won’t be different now.

There is no question that there are many concerning issues in our world. We cannot pretend that there is not turmoil in our country, and that certain preoccupations that occupy our minds are not valid. We cannot dig our heads in the sand and pretend that nothing bad will ever happen. We are not immune from terrible harm or unspeakable evil. We’ve seen it. We know it. We should certainly be vigilant, but we should not allow our spirits to be on constant fight or flight mode. Either we believe that God is in control … or we don’t.

I’m speaking with the authority of a recovering worrier. I’ve experienced firsthand the bitter effects of constant fear and anxiety. I don’t want to tread that ground ever again. I certainly know that problems, tragedies and disappointments are inevitable. But worry is a choice. Therefore, I deliberately choose to turn off the fight or flight mode for things that I cannot control. I choose to turn to God instead — for direction, protection and peace. I choose to surrender my concerns to God, and trust him for the outcome.

it’s not stress that’s making us ill. It’s our response to stress that is killing us.
Click To Tweet

This article was published on Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal Constitution on Saturday – October 14, 2017.

The post Fear and Anxiety – The Evil of the Century {The Atlanta Journal Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

A second health care worker in Texas is diagnosed with Ebola. ISIS allegedly has control of chemical weapons. Border security agents are struggling to maintain enough manpower to contain the influx of undocumented immigrants from Mexico. Is it any wonder that worry is permeating our society as never before?

The harmful effects of anxiety are well known to the medical community. In the U.S. alone, 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders. When our bodies are under stress, our nervous system responds with a reaction known as “fight or flight.”

There are times when this physiological reaction is a healthy defense mechanism, such as when a person feels threatened by imminent danger. This reaction tells us when to move out of an unsafe part of town, or it incites us to run when spotting a poisonous snake on the ground. We were born with this important trigger to help protect us from threats.

However, the fight or flight response was never intended to be an ongoing reaction to our problems. Indeed, chronic worry and emotional stress breed terrible health problems. Continuous fight or flight responses cause our body’s nervous system to release stress hormones such as cortisol, which can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides. These hormones cause harmful reactions such as dizziness, increased heartbeat, fatigue, insomnia and headaches. Needless to say, the long-term effects can be devastating, including suppression of the immune system, digestive disorders and heart disease. In other words, it’s not stress that’s making us ill. It’s our response to stress that is killing us.

I wish I could say that worry and anxiety stopped at the door of our sanctuaries. But we all know that’s not true. If anything, many people of faith are fretting more than ever. Entire websites are dedicated to disaster preparedness and to tracking events around the globe linked to end-times prophecy. As a Christian, I have studied these prophecies and believe them. But I don’t think this is a time for panic, worrying or fear.

Rather, I’m reminded that one of the most popular commands found in the Bible is “Fear not.” It’s found in almost every one of the books of both the Old and New Testament. Fear Not. I’ll never leave you. Fear Not. I believe these words. Through my hardest trials I’ve experienced them to be true. I know it won’t be different now.

There is no question that we should be concerned about our society. We cannot pretend that Ebola is not here, or live as if nothing bad will ever happen. We are not immune from terrible harm or unspeakable evil. We’ve seen it. We know it. We should certainly be vigilant, but we should not allow our spirits to be on constant fight or flight mode. Either we believe that God is in control … or we don’t.

I’m speaking with the authority of a recovering worrier. I’ve experienced firsthand the bitter effects of worry and anxiety. I don’t want to tread that ground again. What I’ve learned is that worry is a choice. Therefore I deliberately choose to turn off the fight or flight mode for things that I cannot control. I choose to turn to God instead, for direction, protection and peace. I choose to pray and trust. I choose to Fear Not.

The post Ebola, ISIS, End-Times Events – An Anxious Church?? – My Weekend Column for the Atlanta Journal appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.