Tag: fear

The Lesson of the Peace Lily

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Ps 31:24)

When my grandpa passed away over eleven years ago, I received a peace lily after his service. It’s common practice here in Oklahoma for members of the family to choose the plants they want that aren’t specifically designated for someone, so I chose the peace lily.

This plant has followed me through two moves and survived six months of serious neglect. I nearly killed it several times. Never on purpose, of course. But when I got busy, I forgot to water it, forgot to open the blinds, and just generally forgot about the poor plant that sat all alone in the corner of my house. At one point, the plant had only two small leaves pushing up from the dirt. Continue reading “The Lesson of the Peace Lily” →

Focus on God, Not Fear

Posted on by Staci Mauney

This blog was originally posted on September 10, 2017.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

During the hottest part of the summer, I woke up at 6:00 a.m. to walk my dog, Lilly. Even though we left early, the temperature was already in the low 80s. Oklahoma summers can be brutal. One of the parks that we go to has a really pretty fountain on one end. On this particular day, we walked over to the fountain. It’s located in slight depression, so Lilly and I walked down the steps and circled the fountain a couple of times. She jumped up on the edge of the fountain, peered into the water, and promptly jumped in, startling me. She resurfaced and started paddling for the edge, but she couldn’t reach it to get out on her own. I lifted her out of the water, and she took off running to dry off, dragging me behind her as I held onto her leash with all my strength. Continue reading “Focus on God, Not Fear” →

The Specter of Perfectionism

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” (Ps 18:32, NLT)

Years ago, my parents and I worked on a house painting project together. Usually, my dad and I work well together. However, for that project, it seemed neither of us could do anything right. I wanted the room to look perfect when we were done, and I had a vision of the final version in my head. My dad didn’t do things my way, and I didn’t do things his way, so I almost scrapped the entire project before we started. My mom, caught in the middle, gave up and left us to it. In the end, we talked it out, compromised, and finished the job, which turned out better than I had hoped.

Perfectionism. I’ve been plagued by it all my life. Perfectionism isn’t reality. As humans, we can never be perfect. Only one man was perfect: Jesus. Continue reading “The Specter of Perfectionism” →

Fear of Clowns and Other Lessons Learned at Halloween

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Ps 9:10)

My fear of clowns began in 1982 when I was five years old. For Halloween that year, my mom, who designed and sewed many of my clothes, made me a clown costume. I can still remember how thrilled I was. It was so cute – a little red costume with a frilly white collar, frilly white cuffs at the feet, and bright yellow buttons. I couldn’t wait to wear it trick-or-treating. Continue reading “Fear of Clowns and Other Lessons Learned at Halloween” →

The Consolation of a Furry Companion

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Ps 94:19)

Lilly, my Yorkie, ran to hide under the bed again as I grabbed my purse and keys. It was time to leave for work, and she was determined to keep me home.

“Lilly,” I called, peering around the corner of the hallway into my bedroom.

Silence.

Then I heard a snuffling noise from under the bed, so I knew she was still there.

I walked into the bedroom and peered under the bed. Two bright eyes stared back at me. I put my hand out, and she licked my fingers, but she didn’t get any closer. I sighed.

“Okay, Lilly, you win. Treat!”

I grabbed the container of treats and shook it just outside the bedroom door. As soon as she heard the crinkle of the packaging, she ran out. I gave her the treat and quickly put the baby gate in place before she could run back into my room. Disappointed, she ran into the living room to hide behind the blankets. Continue reading “The Consolation of a Furry Companion” →