Writing for a publication like Serve Daily is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
I’ve written content for more than eight years, but most of my work revolves around trying to sell something.
I haven’t had many chances to share what really matters to me or spread genuine positivity.
That’s why I was surprised to feel fear creep in when I was given the opportunity to write for this publication.
My parents always taught me and my eight siblings how important it is to be strong and stand up for what’s right. I remember worrying if I would grow up to be courageous or a coward. My mother would read history books to us all the time as children, and I would think to myself, “what would I have done if I had been born back then?”
Would I have had the courage to escape religious persecution and fight for freedom in the Revolutionary War, or would I have stayed behind and refused to rock the boat?
Would I have raised my voice in support of freeing the slaves during the Civil War, or would I have decided it wasn’t worth risking my safety to do the right thing? Would I have opened my home to persecuted Jews during the Holocaust, or would I have turned them away (or worse, turned them in)?
I would like to think I would overcome my fears and do the right thing in those situations. But the truth is, I will never know how I would have reacted had I been born in a different time or place. What I do know is that courage is still needed today, as much as it ever was. If you and I can overcome our fears, we have plenty of opportunities to make a difference right now.
Just this week, I overcame some big fears so I could try to make a positive impact on the world. One of the fears involved interviewing someone for this very publication. The other involved being in an inspiring music video that required me to get over my embarrassment about my weight.
These were fears that others might not think are a big deal, but they weighed heavily on my mind and heart in the days leading up to the events. And you know what? I am so glad I faced them instead of backing out of opportunities.
I am an imperfect vessel. You are an imperfect vessel. But if we are willing to face our fears and insecurities, God can still use us to spread His light and happiness to the world. Every single one of us can make a difference, even when doing so is scary. Maybe especially when doing so is scary.
Have you noticed that it seems like evil is working overtime to stifle goodness in the world? The good news is that you and I can work overtime as well! If we try even harder to fill the world with light, we can change ourselves, our families, and our communities for the better. We may even help create miracles, such as changing a heart or bringing hope to just one person who needs it. It doesn’t matter what religion you subscribe to, or if you don’t subscribe to religion at all. Go out there and make a difference for good however you can. The world needs what you have to offer.(Shellie Peterson is a mom, wife and freelance writer. She currently lives in Santaquin with her husband and daughter. In her spare time, she loves to sing, read, write and spend as much time as possible camping.)
