Fear is a liar

We often turn on YouTube for our music source because the kids really get a kick out of the fun videos they have – our household current favorite song is Joy by King and Country.  But the next song that always comes up, and is Weston’s absolute favorite song is Fear is a Liar.

He gets so excited when he sees it is up next in the video playlist and I have to ask him to leave the song that’s playing on so that it doesn’t get turned off. He knows every word and shouts with all of his might “Fear ISSS A LIAR!”.

And as much as all of us have our good days and our bad days, listening to him sing that verse with all of that might behind his voice, I know what he will walk with – or rather Who – for the rest of his days.

Zach Williams, the singer, is right though.  Fear IS a liar.  It has whispered in my ear for years.  I’m sure it whispers in yours too.  You aren’t worthy.  You aren’t good enough, smart enough, educated enough, loving enough, rich enough.

Maybe you are educated, maybe you have almost no debt and a hefty savings account.  Maybe fear whispers to you that your spouse and kids or family don’t love you enough because you’ve spent so much time focused on providing for them.

Whatever the whispers manifest to, I want to implore you to two things today.

First of all – you aren’t alone.  I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of times I have given in to fear.  Afraid to take that major step, because who am I?  What do I have to offer anyone of value?  I’ve not stood up for myself because of _____ insert multiple reasons here _____.  I’ve allowed lies to become truths in my head and in my heart.  But what does that offer us?  That offers us a life half lived.  I know that that is not what you were created for.  There are so many wonderful things on this Earth to experience, and they were created for just that – to be experienced.  To be LIVED through.  Fear will hold you back from a life well lived.

Second of all – a lie does not equate to a truth.  I don’t know about you, but I find myself consistently holding myself, my ability to be a good wife, mother, photographer, business owner, friend, follower of God to a ridiculously high standard.  But, who told me I needed to be perfect anyways?  Who told me that I need to do everything right to earn value and respect?  Who told you the same?  Fear.  My mom always used to tell us as kids “two wrongs don’t make a right” – so is true for fear & lies.  Just because fear whispers a lie about you into your ear does not mean it’s truth.  And as I tell my kids on a regular basis, “mistakes is how we learn”.

“So, Caitlin….what does this blog have to do with photography?” …. Probably nothing.  I know that there are many days I find myself succumbed to fear in my business, constantly longing to project the most perfect of everything I touch – but that’s not healthy for me as photographer or for you, my friends.  But, that’s not really what this blog is about.  Today, it’s just about encouragement.  To let you know, that if you’re in the thick of it….you’re not alone.  To let you know that you have the absolute power within you to turn those thoughts aside, to address them with truth.

One of the most powerful pieces of advice I’ve ever been given in my marriage was to tell Nick all of the things he was, even if he wasn’t them yet.  There is something powerful about telling someone else what they are, even if they aren’t quite there yet, it sparks the truth that’s been planted inside of them about who they are.  And so today, I want to let you know that I see you:

. You are important . You are worthy . You are loved . You are powerful . Your life has meaning . You are capable . You are beautiful . You are wise .

With love,

-C

“When he told you you’re not good enough
When he told you you’re not right
When he told you you’re not strong enough
To put up a good fight
When he told you you’re not worthy
When he told you you’re not loved
When he told you you’re not beautiful
That you’ll never be enough

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

When he told you were troubled
You’ll forever be alone
When he told you you should run away
You’ll never find a home
When he told you you were dirty
And you should be ashamed
When he told you you could be the one
That grace could never change

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

Let Your fire fall and cast out all my fears
Let Your fire fall Your love is all I feel”