Faith Over Fear (and Flutes and High Jumps)

"God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible."

2 Timothy 1:7 (The Message)

I have four daughters, each of them beautifully different, uniquely themselves, and absolutely amazing in their own way.

My oldest, an old soul—wise beyond her years, with a heart full of kindness.

My second, adventurous yet introverted, with a quiet strength and savvy mind.

My third, fearless and smart, always keeping me on my toes.

My fourth, the sweetest soul you’ll ever meet, radiating pure love.

But let’s talk about that third daughter of mine.

She is, as I’ve said, fearless. I never know what’s next with her. She picks things up quickly, and before I even have time to process, she’s mastered something new. She started playing the flute, and in less than two years, she made first row in the school band. She auditioned for the school play—she got the part. She plays basketball, volleyball, and as of this week? She’s the newest high jumper on the track team.

Did I know she could jump? Absolutely not. But here we are.

And that leads me to this realization: our children are our greatest teachers.

We spend so much time thinking that we are the ones meant to guide them, shape them, lead them. And while that is true, I find it absolutely beautiful that they turn around and do the same for us.

This daughter of mine is teaching me the power of fearlessness. The power of simply trying. The power of not worrying about rejection, about making the team, about whether she’ll fail. She is more afraid of never knowing what could have been than of hearing the word “no.”

And I think about all the times in my life that I let fear stop me. Fear of what people would think. Fear of rejection. Fear of failure. Fear of stepping out, only to stumble.

But God says we are not to have a spirit of fear. And yet, I’ve spent most of my life living under the thumb of it.

Maybe that’s why He gave me a daughter who is fearless—so that she could teach me the art of doing. The art of believing in yourself. The art of wondering, What if I could be a high jumper? and actually stepping onto the track to find out.

So, Reese. Nicole. Elliot.

One day, I pray you read this and know that I am so proud of you—not just for your high jumping, not just for your flute playing, not just for the roles you land in the play. But for the teacher that you are to me at just 13 years old.

Because of you, I am learning to trust God more.

Because of you, I am learning to believe in myself more.

Because of you, I am learning to take risks, no matter the outcome.

My Prayer:

Lord,

Thank You for the little teachers You have placed in my life, for the wisdom that comes through the most unexpected places—like the heart of a fearless 13-year-old. Help me to let go of fear and step boldly into the things You’ve called me to. May I have the courage to try, to leap, to believe, just like my daughter does. And when fear creeps in, remind me of Your truth: that You have given me a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind.

Amen.