When my daughter was a toddler she was extremely scared of the vacuum cleaner. She was so scared that if we didn’t want her wandering out of the room, we could place the vacuum in the middle of the hallway. She wouldn’t even go to that side of the room. We used it like a baby gate for almost 6 months. I remember thinking that it was really cute that she was afraid of something that most adults don’t even think about as something to be feared. I say most adults because there is a small population of people with Zuigerphobia, or the fear of vacuum cleaners. While most of us think that the fear of a vacuum cleaner is ridiculous, it is a real concern for some small kids, pets and adults. We all have something that causes us fear.

In my daughter’s case, we exploited a fear that she had for her own safety (as well as some laziness on my part). We were able to keep her contained to the room that we were in without having to do the toddler chase every few minutes. However, if Angela or I were vacuuming and we left it close to something that she wanted, it became an obstacle that hindered her progress. Myself, I don’t like snakes or lightning. I have had more than my share of very close calls with both. So it may not be an irrational fear but it is still a fear. It is a fear that sometimes keeps me from doing things that I need or want to do. And yes, I know there are probably a few more injuries and fatalities from snakes and lightning. So my fear probably works in my favor for my safety.

I have a few more fears that do impede my growth and success. There are times that I know what I need to do, God has laid something on my heart and have to get it done now. The problem is that I don’t like to ask for help. Ok I really, really dislike asking for help. My fear is that people will see me as weak and incapable. My pride is keeping me from things even as I write this. I really didn’t want to tell you that I have any fear, so this is actually part of my growth. I get up some mornings and know for a fact, 100% that I know what and how I am supposed to do something. As I get ready for my day, the “voices” in my ear are telling me “you’re an idiot, you can’t do that”, “you aren’t capable of that” and my favorite one of all “that is way, way beyond what you could ever think of being successful at”.

The good news is that I don’t have to fear anything! Jesus is with me always. God loves us and wants us to live with a spirit of power and love, not of fear. (1 Timothy 1:7) God tells us time and time again in His Word that we are not supposed to live in fear. The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1.  As a kid you know that your father is able to defend and protect you from anyone or anything. That may not have been the case, but when God has your back you have nothing to worry about! Yes I still have fear, and I believe that we will have fears as long as we are here on this earth. The good news is as my faith in Him grows, my fears lessen and I know God loves me and wants the very best for me!

1 John 4:18