Faith Over Fear: Lessons From a Morning on the Sand

We returned over the weekend from our annual trip to the Outer Banks. It’s a week I treasure for many reasons – it’s full of relaxing and toes in the sand and family. Our kids are in the sweetest spot right now – old enough to go off by themselves, hit the pool if they want while we stay on the beach, make themselves a snack…and yet young enough to still love a good snuggle;). I could freeze this chapter in our lives if I could.

And yet, with all these good things, I find myself still full of so much worry these days. Health issues, family members, middle school, Texas, money, you name it, I’m thinking about it. That darn lump in my neck. The what-ifs. Even the freaking weather!? How can I control the weather? Exactly. I can’t. And yet I was thinking about it.

Too much worrying, not enough relying on The One who’s really in charge. For someone who considers herself a true believer, I wasn’t practicing what I preach.

And what does all that accomplish? Nothing. Except stealing joy from our days.

So early one morning last week, I decided to take my coffee and head to the beach. Just me. In my pajamas. I rolled up my pant legs and sat down right on the sand. It was cloudy.

I started to pray.

I talked to God about my fears and about life and asked for help. To help me stop letting these doubts creep in and steal joy from everyday moments.

To let my faith be stronger than my fear.

I prayed hard. I closed my eyes, and sat there. Upright, legs crossed, feeling the sand under me and hearing the waves crash.

After some time went by, I stood up.

I thanked God for bringing me out here, to this moment.

And I looked up at the sky, getting ready to head back inside. What I saw literally brought me to tears.

The clouds rolled – with such speed – right on by above me, and there was nothing but a huge beaming sun in the sky. The day was now gorgeous.

The grey clouds had vanished, and it was going to be a beautiful day.

I wiped the tears away, and smiled, feeling the warmth on my face.

I hear you, Lord. Loud and clear.

ocean

Comments

  1. Jean Quintana says:

    Thank you for reminding me of the power of prayer.

  2. Beautiful Liz!! I love this! I too deal with fear and have to remind myself who is really in control! Love you girl! XOXO

  3. Wow. That was so right on to how I feel and what a blessing to receive and accept

  4. I totally needed this today. Thanks!

  5. Thank you for sharing your prayer. It couldn’t have come at a better time. So many things are going on in my life right and I feel overwhelmed and out of control. I see I am being lead by fear and I need to heed your prayer as I face each day.. thank you and God bless you

  6. Mary Carole Kirkpatrick says:

    So beautifully said, Liz! I can get sad at the beach too at times, but then being with family & laughing at crazy stuff, plus seeing the beautiful ocean helps me to “let it go” and trust in God that he will help us on those tough days. I loved all your pictures. Happy Times!

  7. You gave me chills. I had a similar moment praying on the beach on our last day of vacation in July. It, too, was magical. XoXo

  8. How I pray that our Country will put God back to # 1 and most of our problems would just go away. Can you imagine the peace and joy. I’m with ya, Liz!

  9. Sitting here in tears. I know the struggle to stay true to our faith and the joy when we feel the protection and love of our Father. God bless you and all your beloveds.

  10. I love this Liz!! Beautiful words from a beautiful person!! I’m glad to know you😘

  11. As we prepare for “Irma” here on the west coast of Florida i just read your post and it came at a perfect time. As always, Thank you 💕 PS, I hope you’re well – I’ve missed your posts.

  12. Tiziana Revell says:

    Beautiful post!! I am right there with ya in most every way you described and about two weeks ago I decided to not let the stress run my days. This post was such a good reminder and written so lovely. Thank you : )

  13. 💓 Awesome post! No better way to start your day!!!

  14. Wow. Thank you for sharing. I am also a true believer and have been doing the worry thing but you are so right. It gets us no where. Give it to God. Our Lord and saviour. Be at peace and enjoy the every day moments and don’t miss the little things worrying. Thank you for reminding me that the Lord is always with is and hears us. Just have faith and believe!! Your beautiful clear sky gift from the Lord picture is gorgeous!!

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