What are You Afraid of?

I know, how sacreligious can I be? Well, very, as it turns out.

You may be horrified that I suggest bold and brazen sinning. But listen, it’s really the only way out. And it’s a lot more fun and effective than you’re telling yourself right now.

Scary? Yep.

Anxiety-inducing. Uh-huh.

Shame-inducing? For a minute.

Judgement brought on your head? Guaranteed.

Shunned? Likely.

Loss of family and friends? …Yeah. Most of them won’t want to come along with you.

So why in the heck would you want to backslide and sin your way toward negative consequences and possible depression?

Because according to my experience and of those I know, these are temporary hurdles toward your secret dreams. The consequences for saying “Forget you and your rules, I’m doing what I want!” are very painful. I know, I’ve been there. But I did say they are temporary, even if they feel like the doom of your life. I can tell you, you’ll get through it, and your resulting freedom is worth it.

What are your secret desires? Maybe you find somebody attractive and wish you could talk to them without everyone inspecting your motivations. You’d go to university if only you were allowed to. You’re curious about the world and want to explore it - hop on an airplane and experience other cultures; without the pressure to preach at, witness to, and convert the people. It’s possible to live a life free from suffocating judgement and perma-shame.

I’ve been where you are. I spent the first 30 years of my life watching other people live their lives with no regard to what a group of people thought about them, and I whished I could be them. Make my own decisions. Not have to go to accountability group for every thought in my head or repent for the selfishness of a weekend get-away with friends instead of breaking covenant by skipping church.

This is not trivial and I don’t treat it as such. Unless you are physically being held in captivity, I’m telling you that you do have the power to make your own decisions in life, even if it doesn’t feel like it. It will cost you, yes. I guarantee that once you taste freedom, happiness and the joy of living life because you say so, and not because they say so - it will be worth it.

So, what’s holding you back? I understand the fear. Click here and tell me what you’re afraid of.