Fear Not? Is This Even Possible? | Mace Hall

Fear Not? Is this even possible?

As my mother breathed her last few breaths, at only 54 years old, I quoted to her the Lord’s prayer followed by her favorite scripture twice. I hoped that the familiar, calming words would peacefully usher her into the next life…. After 3 years of battling cancer and the suffering that accompanies it, all I wanted in the world was for her to have peace, some sense of peace, to not be afraid of what comes next.


Her favorite scripture was Isaiah 43:1-3. Since it references Israel and not my mother directly, I embellished the words to specifically sooth my dying mother. I said, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you. You are my precious, precious child and I am your God. You will walk through the waters, but you will not drown. You will pass through the fires, but you will not be consumed. For I am the Lord, your God, and you are my precious, beloved child.”


Mama loved that scripture in its original form. Hopefully, my spontaneous, newly crafted version was even more meaningful. I have thought about the meaning of those words often since her death 21 and a half years ago. See, my mother was a worrier. She had good reason. My father was not caring or supportive in the least. When he left, my brother and I were 11 and 15, respectively. So, my ill-equipped mother became solely responsible for raising us. Her first year, she made $6000 selling real estate. My father never paid a dime of child support


Peace eluded my mother for many years. She feared losing the house, her car, not being able to provide groceries.… But God promises that we are not to fear because no matter how difficult life is, we are protected. God is by our sides even in the midst of our greatest challenges. The things that cause us the most anxiety, the most worry are burdens easily assuaged by God’s comfort and peace. Faith reminds us that God’s way is the better way. All somewhat reassuring words to hear, but how does this play out in the reality of our stress, anxiety and worry? How do we keep from allowing our anxiety to consume us when many, if not most, of our worries are real concerns?


This is how my mother conquered her obsessive worrying. Ultimately, she learned to harness her worry. First, raising two teenagers alone was a huge undertaking. (My brother and I weren’t the easiest two:-) So, Mama got counseling for all 3 of us, so we could better navigate our “new normal.” She channeled her anxiety around finances into building a successful real estate career. She established routines that were healthy for her. She woke up early each day to plan her day, quietly drink her coffee and then garden a little before launching into her busy day. She rediscovered her huge (and mischievous) sense of humor. (It’s a wonder she didn’t get arrested with some of her crazy stunts.) She learned that when the world came raining down, it was better if she’d find something funny or positive about the situation.


We all get overwhelmed. We all worry. We all have fears. By the same token, we all have coping mechanisms. We all can find ways to channel our negative emotions. We can all establish healthy routines to help get through the rough times. And, we can all reach out for help. If you find yourself needing help, email prumconelamb@gmail.com. You can be paired with someone from our Friend -to -Friend ministry, a ministry which matches persons who have faced a similar life circumstance to provide a listening ear and support.

Share

Science
By Martha Tate September 2, 2025
“The invisible wounds that bind: how understanding the science of adversity and resilience can guide us toward a journey of healing and wholeheartedness.” Description: Mounting evidence over the past thirty years has shed light on the alarming effects of childhood trauma on health and development stretching over the
By Mace Hall August 22, 2025
Grief is both personal and universal. This six-week support group is designed to be a safe space for people to travel together through the rocky terrain of grief. The intent is to provide a safe place in which people can experience social/emotional support through sharing their personal stories and learn more about th
By Mace Hall August 21, 2025
Wednesdays, September 10-October 22, 10:00-11:00 am Led By Elizabeth Byrd who is a preschool mom as well: This group offers connection, encouragement and spiritual renewal, for moms of preschoolers. Together, we will explore faith life together, as we share the joys and challenges of motherhood. Come, as you are, – t
By Mace Hall August 20, 2025
This alignment- based Yoga class will help increase your strength, balance and flexibility while building an intentional connection with God. All ability levels are welcome.
By Mace Hall August 20, 2025
Evening Yoga led by Ann Strader Thursdays, October 2 - 30 (5 Weeks) 530 - 630 pm Room C208 In this class, we will use our breath to come our minds, move and strengthen our bodies through stretching exercises and end of each class in prayer
Video “My Ascension” | Emma Benoit Story
By Mace Hall August 19, 2025
A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader, Emma Benoit, paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope, and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the United States. My Ascension is a feature length documentary that chronicles Emma’s inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana.
By Mace Hall March 22, 2025
VIDEO PRESENTATION: RAISING RESILIENT CHILDREN IN A WORLD FILLED WITH ANXIETY AND STRESS.
By Mace Hall March 22, 2025
From Worried to Well: Dr. Ben Hunter, Skyland Trail Mental Health Treatment Facility, discusses the symptoms and causes of anxiety explaining coping skills to relieve worry and stress thereby improving mental well-being
More Posts