Moving From Fear to Freedom: Day 2 w/author Grace Fox

Yesterday author and world-traveler Grace Fox shared her own battle with fear, but how she overcame those fears. She offered tips and encouragement to women who just might struggle with fear. Today she continues that interview, sharing additional help and practical steps, but also opens up to share a day in the life of a woman who writes, speaks, and travels to countries to work with communities and people struggling with HIV or poverty.

SE: Let's pick up where we left off yesterday. Can you help our moms with some practical ways of dealing with fear?

GF: Sure!

* Share your fears with other moms. There's huge encouragement in knowing that someone else understands and cares.

* Pray for your kids. Find another mom with kids approximately the same age as yours, and pray together. The ministry "Moms in Touch" is a good one to connect with. I attended a MIT prayer meeting every week for several years when my kids were younger. My prayers for my kids were transformed as I learned to pray Scripture on their behalf. My book "10-Minute Time Outs for Moms" was born as a result of what I learned at that time. It has 136 Scripture-based prayers to help other moms learn the same.

* Visualize your fears in your closed fist. Now open your hand and let those fears drop away. Turn your hand over, palm up, and receive God's promises. Doing this simple visual exercise helps me each time I feel afraid.

* If we focus on our fears, they'll eventually paralyze us. If we focus on God's faithfulness, we'll find courage.

SE: Some of the women reading this may be new to faith. Why is understanding God’s love critical to moving from fear to freedom?

GF: Understanding God's love enables us to trust him. When we trust him, we can release our kids into his care, and we can rest.

SE: In a sense, we have peace as we focus on God instead of fearful circumstances? Is that what you are saying? I know that, for me, I've learned that when I invite God into a situation, I find strength that is greater than the moment or the circumstance.

GF: My website has a free downloadable tip sheet called "Practical Steps to Overcoming Fear" and several other helpful articles along the same subject. Just visit www.gracefox.com and click on the wee television that says "Free Media Giveaways." I hope the readers of CML will help themselves, and pass these along to their friends.

SE: I love hearing about your travels. A couple of years ago you walked into a room wearing the most beautiful native costume. I don't know where you had just been, but you've been all over the world. What is a recent trip and one special memory from that trip?

GF: On a recent visit to Romania, I had the opportunity to visit a drop-in center for teenagers with HIV/AIDS. About a dozen kids showed up that afternoon. At first they were quite shy toward me and my husband. But they warmed up after my husband spoke briefly about God's desire to be their best friend. They wanted to pray with us, and then one boy picked up his guitar and began singing a praise song. Others joined in. What an amazing moment!

These teenagers, who contracted HIV when medical professionals inoculated them against childhood diseases using the same needle from person to person, are considered society's outcasts in their country. They're modern-day lepers, sometimes abandoned by their families and always kicked out of school and the workplace when they're found to be HIV positive. Yet here they stood, singing praise choruses to God. It's a memory I'll cherish forever. When the time came to leave, each teen asked to have their picture taken with us, and then they lined up for hugs. My heart nearly broke at having to say goodbye and hearing them ask, "Please, will you come back?"

On February 3, 2009, I'll return to Romania. My deepest desire is to see these kids again and wrap my arms around them with another big hug. You can find out on my blog whether or not that happens. At this time, my blog address is www.gracefox.blogspot.com. However, when my website makeover is complete, it will be transferred there for easier access.

SE: What is your favorite scripture that helps you when you struggle with fear?

GF: Joshua 1:9 is one of my favorites. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." This verse reminds me that His presence is with me at all times, and this promise will never fail.

SE: As we end this interview, can you let us peek in to a typical day for you?

GF: Sure! When I'm not traveling in Eastern Europe for my ministry with International Messengers (www.im-canada.ca), I get up at 5:15, grab a cup of coffee, and settle into my favorite loveseat for a couple of quiet hours. The corner of my living room has a decorative fountain, so the sound of trickling water fills the room.

Sometimes I read a good non-fiction book about spiritual growth for a little while before opening my Bible. Sometimes I turn to my Bible immediately. I journal a key verse or two and why it's meaningful to me, and then I spend some time in prayer. I love this routine. It totally recharges me. I really miss it when I'm on the road.

My mornings usually consist of some form of exercise (I recently blew the meniscus in one knee so this varies depending on how my knee feels) and doing business in my office -- answering emails, connecting with organizers for upcoming speaking events, editing brochures or letters for International Messengers, filing, updating mailing lists, and pursuing various marketing and media opportunities for my books. When necessary, I'll run errands and do my housework. The afternoons are spent writing and/or preparing for speaking events. Occasionally my daughter-in-law asks me to babysit -- I gladly set everything aside to spend time with my one-year-old granddaughter.

Typically I try not to write after dinner. I'd rather reserve the evening for my husband, or for having guests in for coffee. Everything changes when I'm writing a book under deadline!

SE: Thanks again for taking the time to join us. It's been fascinating.

For CML readers, you can connect with Grace Fox on her website where you can order her book, download some free information, read an excerpt of her book, or just let her know that you appreciate her insight!