Do It Scared.

Dear Reader,

I have struggled to start this book. If you’ve read my first Bible study, There’s a Fly in my Tea!, I mention the Lord’s prompting for me to write this particular book and my refusal to do it.

This is that book.

The one the Lord put on my heart years ago when He gave me clear direction to start writing nonfiction instead of fiction.

This is that book.

The one I couldn’t bring myself to write because, well, it was just too hard.

You would think it would be easier now. I mean, I have written and published a Bible study. But I have found that it isn’t any easier.

There is something overwhelming about staring at a blank page in my word processing document.

There is something incredibly scary about taking this step of faith. Yes, a step of faith. You see I am humbly aware that I am not able to start and finish a book about God’s Word in my own power. I know how much time, dedication, prayer and study will take place to finish this book.

Fear.

It attempts to grip me as I consider this project.

What if I don’t finish it?

What if I can’t find a publisher?

What will people think about it?

Even as I admit those fears to you, the Lord is reminding me of his words to Joshua. He, too, was afraid as he considered the task the Lord had prepared for him, but God lovingly reassured him over and over again.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:9

That promise is enough to cause me to step out in obedience to start this project. I do not know if I will finish. I do not know if it will be published. And I do not know what people will think about it. I do know the Lord will be with me wherever this takes me, and even if it is just for my own personal Bible study and spiritual growth, it will be for my good.

Sincerely,

Crystal L. Ratcliff

Me again. Present day.

As I have approached the publication of this next book, I have started to feel some of those fears all over again. Along with some new ones…

I will finish (sooooo close). I set a goal to finish by May 15th. I don’t like to set goals because I don’t like to fail. I’m doing it scared.

I have clear direction from the Lord about how I will publish. I‘m self-publishing. I’m doing it scared.

I still do not know what people will think about it. I’m focusing my attention and concern on my target audience: like-minded women who want to be challenged and encouraged in their walk with the Lord.

My new fears…promoting and selling the book. That is what led me to the phrase “Do it Scared” made famous by Christy Wright, a business coach. I’ve definitely gotten out of my comfort zone to learn more about using social media for marketing. There may even be a Facebook live in my future. 😉 I’m doing it scared.

Doing it scared is really the same thing the Lord was showing me at the very beginning of this project.

Be strong and courageous.

And so I will.