Earlier this month, I received an email that would change my life as I knew it. It was an invitation to a blogger event in Cincinnati. As I read further, I realized that I would be required to fly.
Thoughts began to race in my head. Are they really inviting me? I can NOT turn this down. I have got to go! Before I could talk myself out of it, I accepted the invitation. There wasn't a whole lot of time for me to go back and forth on whether or not I'd go. I had made up my mind. I was going. And that meant flying.
This caused all sorts of anxiety to build up in my mind. Not fear of the plane crashing. No, I wasn't worried about that at all. But, the feeling of being confined or should I say trapped on a plane, made me uneasy. I began to research how to handle the fear of flying and exactly how long the flight would take. It's only an
1 1/2 hour trip. How bad can that be?
My plan was to focus on scripture and casting down negative thoughts and just plain ignoring it all. I even sought the help of a trusted pastor who counsels me from time to time. Okay, I can do this.
Then I received news that it wasn't indeed a straight shot there. I would have to layover in Chicago first. Now I had to prepare for getting on and off a plane 4 times. This was a test, and I knew it. Was I going to let this derail me?
I got a text message that day that read, Nothing can stop you! After that, my thought pattern changed. That's right, nothing can stop me!
You can't stop me
That's all you got? Come on with it
That's all you got?
You can't stop me
That's all you got? Come on with it
That's all you got?
You can't stop me
(You) don't got the power, (can't) shut me down
(Stop), that's not an option, I'm my biggest problem
(You) don't got the power, (can't) shut me down
(Stop), that's not an option
You can't stop me
(Stop), that's not an option, I'm my biggest problem
(You) don't got the power, (can't) shut me down
(Stop), that's not an option
You can't stop me
-You Can't Stop Me by Andy Mineo
Finally, the day arrived and I headed to the airport full of excitement and a little bit of nervousness. But I was doing it. I was flying.
My husband was so supportive of me and I couldn't have done it without him. He waited for me the entire time that I made my way through the lines. He watched me until I eventually disappeared through security. During the entire trip, I was flooded with text messages from him and also my counselor checking in on me, making sure I was o.k. The trip was a blast and I had so much fun! I'll be sharing everything in another post, so stay tuned.
One thing I learned from this trip is that everyone has something that they deal with. Others had issues, but they didn't let it stop them from attending the conference.
Do it, afraid. - Joyce Meyer
There is a certain confidence that I have now. I really can't explain it. But, I feel like this whole ordeal changed me for the better. And it feels so good!
Yeah, Knock me down but I got up again
Yeah, I'm standing stronger n' I can face the wind
Made it through the night now it's a brand new day
And it was only by his grace, now I can say
I made it, I made it
I made it, I made it yeah
I made it, I made it
I made it, through all the pain, through all the pain
- I made it - Da T.R.U.T.H.
To God be the Glory!
That's great! I knew you could do it.
ReplyDeleteThanks girlfriend! It was tough, but I made it through.
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