Author Darlene J. Conard

Fear at one time controlled my life. It was a constant presence. Sleeping alone was out of the question. You would never see me walking without my middle sister at my side.

Sitting beside my grandma’s bed one evening, she took my hand squeezed it saying, “Fear is an ugly thing isn’t it, Darlene?” Understanding all too well I didn’t hesitate to answer. “Yes, it is grandma very ugly, and tormenting. I’m thankful God gives us power over it.”

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 KJV

I realized something the day my friend took me to the DMV to take the skills test for my learner’s permit. I’ve come farther than I thought. She surprised me as we entered Richwood, our hometown. “You’re going to start now.” Snapping out of my tired mode, looking at her with an off-guard expression. “Now?” She wouldn’t take no for an answer. “You’ve got this.” She pulled over, we switched seats, I checked everything I was supposed to and asked God to help me. As I started out as she guided me, I realized I wasn’t as anxious as my discouragers said I was. I drove through town without any problems. Many times, rehearsing in my thoughts, I saw myself unable to get behind the wheel of a car. Over and over the discrediting words screamed at me and the laughter at the jokes made me even want to drive. I realized a lot of things Thursday March the 4^th, God used the friends He put in my life to plant encouragement through words and prayer cutting the curses into pieces.

James 3:10-11 mentions curses, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

 It’s not just referring to profanity. If we are cutting someone down using derogative words, a stumbling block is put in their lives. “You’ll never be anything! You’re trash! You’re fat and ugly. Your stupid, ignorant.” For this very reason I want to abolish those weights by declaring over you, words spoken from the very mouth of God.

“My beloved is mine, and I am his,” … Song of Solomon 2:16 KJV

… “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” 1 Peter 2:9 KJV

“For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.” Psalms149:4 KJV

“Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” Matthew 7:24 KJV

Last but not least the Lord says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV) This means He’s thoughts towards us are not of destruction, or anything near this world’s guidelines. Misconception is not in God’s vocabulary.

I leave you with this be encouraged knowing that God Himself has not given an opinion about you but truth and life. These are only a few scriptures. Diligently seek Him, He will speak to you!

• BLOG