--The Remedy For Fear / Trust in the Lord ~~

--"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."
---[1 Chronicles 16:11/ NIV]

--I sat in my car in front of Anne's house. The engine hum was comforting. I watched digital numbers on my display change and change again. "Lord, be with me," I whispered. Then I pulled keys from the ignition and dropped them into my bag.

Anne was mama to two young sons and a newborn, and a few minutes later I sat at her table while she served chicken salad. Recently Anne asked me to be her mentor after I'd been on a panel of experienced mothers at a brunch she and her friends organized. I didn't know Anne well, but I like what I did know. She was a gifted teacher. Her love for the Lord was tender-fierce.

But mentor? I had one--an older, wiser woman who walked miles of life with. But be one? Who me?

I wore worry like a sweater. I dragged my feet through life change. My husband and I had mountain-size parenting issues. My spiritual shortcomings were a long list.

Anne and I began to talk as her toddlers napped and her baby slept in the bassinet. Conversation was polite and easy---the gentle flow of friendship. But it didn't take long for things to go deep as we shared personal matters. Our families. Our hearts and our hopes.

"I appreciate your transparency," Anne said later as I searched my bag for keys. "You're honest and real. You love the Lord, and you lean into Him with your life."

Anne wasn't drawn to a story without struggle. Or to flawless faith. She was drawn to His perfection in my imperfection. To His might in my mess.
"Thank You, Lord, I said. I smiled all the way home knowing 'perfect love casts out all fear.'

--Guideposts/SE~
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