Our little family of three has three rules.

THE FIRST RULE is to love God and one another.

THE SECOND RULE is to always speak kindly of others and never gossip.

THE THIRD RULE is to never make a decision based out of fear. Each day we strive to uphold these family guidelines, and when we do, there is such peace within our home.

The third family rule– to never make a decision based out of fear – has been on the forefront these past few months. For the past few weeks, so many situations occurred in our life that could merit a sense of fear in us.

The antidote for fear is TRUST. 

We truly have had to reflect upon the inner battle between fear and trust in our hearts. We wanted to share some of our thoughts on a life of fearlessness with you.

In reflecting upon our lives, we realized that there has never been a time where God has failed us.

God has always, and I mean ALWAYS, been there for us in every situation. That does not mean that we are exempt from pain, hardships, and difficulties. It means that through all the joys, struggles, anxieties, worries, bliss, and happy moments – God has been at the center. He is always there, He has never left us, and He never will leave us. That fidelity deserves trust.

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux said, “Trust and trust alone should lead us to love.” What a beautiful truth!

This reality leads to another one, namely that, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18). Trust leads to love, and love leads to fearlessness.

What are your greatest fears?

Why do we fear? How many decisions a day are we tempted to make out of fear?

A few months ago, my husband and I spent time reflecting on these questions together. After this conversation and prayer, we promised God and one another we would do our best not to make a decision out of fear.

Instead of fearing the world, fearing people and what they think of us, and fearing loss, we chose to live life fully! We chose to trust in God, we chose to love, we chose to live fearlessly. The joy we have because of this decision is incredible.

FEARLESSNESS BRINGS FREEDOM.

We are not bound to the world, to what people think, to what people say about us, or to material goods. When fearful feelings arise within us, we help each other turn to the Lord in trust. Fear is a reality, but God’s goodness and mercy is greater.

When you are afraid, turn to Him. Turn to your Father in heaven who created you. Who knows you, who formed you, who breathed the breath of life within you. He wants you to live a life of freedom, of joy, of abundance. Trust in Him.

“For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39).

Claire Couche is a wife and mother who lives in Buffalo, New York. She graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville where she studied history and theology. She later received her B.S.N. and worked as an oncology nurse on a bone marrow transplant unit before becoming a stay at home mother. Claire enjoys traveling, cooking, calligraphy, hiking, and attending the symphony. For more writings from Claire and her husband Michael, visit their website, www.findingphilothea.com.