What Fear No Longer Serves You?
- Melissa Johnson
- May 15
- 2 min read
May 15, 2025- Identify an old belief or fear that no longer serves you
Dear J,
I was chatting with a very wise sister-friend the other day. She and I were reminiscing about moments in my life when fear had such a tight grip on me that I would literally shake like a leaf anytime I had to do something in front of people. This fear held me so tightly that my feet would feel like cement blocks.
For years, I lived in a prison built by my thoughts, convinced I could only go so far regarding public speaking. I believed it. I would write and share with close family and friends under the disguise of what I called “humility.” But now I see clearly: that wasn’t humility — it was fear, wearing a mask.
Fear convinced me that staying small was virtuous. That sharing only in private was noble. And so, I would turn down opportunities to speak, grow, and rise — all because I misunderstood what humility meant.
But fear rarely stays in just one lane. At least in my life, it didn't. The fear of public speaking tangled itself with a fear of abundance, especially in the area of finances. I lived with such a frugal, scarcity-driven mindset that any idea of wealth beyond what I could control or imagine seemed impossible. I’d turn down opportunities to grow in the very gifts God placed inside of me, all while telling myself I was being modest—but really, I was just afraid of failing.
And that’s the thing about unhealthy fear: it feeds on imagined outcomes that haven’t happened. It steals your present by casting shadows from the future.
Realizing that fear was a stronghold in my life has been one of the biggest blessings. It forced me to look inward and be honest with myself. And in that honesty, I found healing, truth, and the permission to grow beyond what I once believed was possible.
Fear no longer gets to hold the pen. I’m rewriting the story boldly, unshaken, and free. You can, too. Be encouraged!!!!!
Until next time!
Love,
Mel
One thing I recently feared was lying. Lying got me in trouble in so many different ways. I realized when I lie, I have to make up a story and hide my tracks. I feel that I should try to prevent lying as much as I can. Living knowing you don't have to hide your tracks is way better than knowing you do.