Brownies. What do you think of when you hear that word? For me, most of the time I think of those delectable, delicious, fudgy goo of wonderfulness that makes my mouth smile. But with the sale of all these girl scout cookies (on every corner it seems), my mind is transported to a different place and time.

As a young elementary child, my family lived in a rural community in central Ohio. My dad ministered at the church that was located directly in front of the church parsonage where we lived.

My sister and I attended the same school and rode the school bus to and from school together. One day, I rode the bus home alone. My sister stayed after school to attend an informational meeting about the girls club, the Brownies.

When I got off the bus and started the long walk down the driveway, I soon realized, no one was home. No car in the driveway. My brother wasn’t outside playing. My mom wasn’t in the house making dinner preparations. My dad wasn’t in his church office. I was alone.

For a child, this wasn’t a good situation to be in. For me, it was miserable. As a child, I was easily frightened. I could conjure up horrible scenarios in my mind if I would allow it. I wasn’t brave. I was a scaredy cat.

I couldn’t bring myself to sit inside the house or the church. I was alone and frightened and when my parents drove up that long driveway, they found me sitting near the edge of the church building, curled up in a little ball, crying.

You know, there are times when I want to do that same thing in my life today. Life has thrown me some pretty lousy balls. And if the evil one had anything to do with it, I would have curled up and given in to my wimpy side.

But here’s what I’ve learned through life. That the trials and sufferings I’ve gone through over the years has made me stronger. I’m less afraid of what might happen and more inclined to lean upon my mighty God. I have come to understand that James’ words to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3 – NIV)

Now while there are still things that cause me great angst and can scare the begeebers out of me, I know that God is by my side and His strength, wisdom, direction and provision will get me out of any situation.

Don’t believe me? Take a look at these passages.

Joshua 1:3-9

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 56:3

Isaiah 41:10

Isaiah 41:13

2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Hebrews 13:5-6

1 John 4:18

My parents felt bad that I had been left alone. My sister wasn’t allowed to join the Brownie troop. I had issues of being alone for several years to come. But had I known then when I know now, how the situation would have been different.

There’s no reason to live in fear any longer. God has a solution. He has a plan. He has a way out.

Hold on to these passages when you are gripped with fear. Allow God’s love to cast our fear and loosen its grip on your heart. It’s only in Him that we find true bravery.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna