Episode #3: Do Not Fear

Devotions & Word-Spirations with LaShanda Lewis

Isaiah 43:1 “Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” This topic is close to my heart of course because it’s something I have struggled with for quite a long time. A bit of a back story I grew up with somewhat of a normal childhood, whatever that is! I was the first granddaughter on both sides so as you could imagine I was just a little bit spoiled just a little. Everything was great i as enjoying life. Then when I was about 5 or so my mom noticed that something about me was a bit different. I couldn't get my words out normally or fluently as before. I had developed a severe stutter. Well, if you grew up in a Jamaican family like I did the the first kind of advice was “Shanda, tek yu time, slow dung” “Breath a likkle” the adults would give their own remedy and the kids would make fun. I can’t fault them they didn't know any better. But you can imagine how confusing this as for such a young child. It seemed like everyone was in my ear with advice yet nothing was working. The verbal bullying started taking a toll on me so i decided I was gonna cover this up somehow! That’s where fear came in and rearranged everything for me. I grew this terrible fear of talking to new people, words that began in B,C,S,R,L and K’s oh and I avoided the phone the plague! This thing had such a grip on me and in a way I was somewhat cool with it and being in the background. Until God came and used my husband to push me out my comfort zone. I went on a journey of accepting my identity In God and understanding that other peoples opinion of the way I spoke was really none of my business. I was learning to begin to see myself the way God did. He reminded me that he knew me when I was in my mother’s womb and that i was was fearfully and wonderfully made. Nothing was wrong with me. He anted to use me to show his Grace and mercy and his redemptive power. Don’t allow circumstances or anyone's opinions of you dictate who you are. You are Gods kid He loves you walk in that reality! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lashanda-lewis/support