I've been dwelling probably a bit too much lately on one of my greatest fears...atychiphobia...the fear of failure.
Why am I afraid of failure? It's not that people will laugh at me. It's not that I'll look stupid.
I just don't like to disappoint people.
There are two main areas in my life right now that I feel as if I'm failing. And I tend to avoid these areas...not deal with them....push them away.
But this, of course, compounds the problem. It just prolongs the inevitable.
In The Message Bible, it says in 1 John 4:18--
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
As I read this scripture, it encourages me to trust in those who love me. Not only God's love, but those in my life who can help me through these fears. Yes, they may be disappointed, but love will overcome the fear, the disappointment, and the shame I feel.
But it is easier to write about than put into practice.
But I need to take a deep breath....plunge ahead.....and trust the love in my life.
Oh, if it were only that easy.
4 comments:
SVG, sometimes I feel like your unknown big sister. When your sister was a 6th grader, she and I were good friends (and afterwards as well)...When I saw your entry, it reminded me of a song I learned in the 5th grade (mind you, I was raised in a Catholic school. This song has always remained in my heart and mind..):
"God is Love....and He who...abides in Love...Abides in God....and God in Him....."
There are a lot of folks that you don't even know personally who are very proud of you....YOU GO GIRL!, and remember the words of that song!
Anonymous--Thank you for your kind and encouraging comments. I will remember the words to that song. I try each day to live those words.
So you have atychiphobia? Fear of Failure? Wow, I've never heard of that term. Look on the bright side, tho; things could be worse...you could have "fear of FEAR", which is known as Phobophobia!
Idaho escapee--Yes, I'm glad I don't have phobiaphobia. Your comment reminds me of the part in one of the Charlie Brown shows when Charlie Brown is talking with Lucy at her psychiatrist booth, and she tells him he is afraid of everything!!!
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