Faith Over Fear

When I first married my husband, I had no idea family ski vacations were so high up on his happiness list. I grew up in a beach town in Mexico, and I didn’t see snow until I moved to the U.S. as an adult. On top of that, I was not what people considered outdoorsy or sporty. We live in Texas, so I thought surely my husband would get over his ski obsession at some point, right? Not so.

I gave skiing a try when we were newlyweds, and then several other tries after my kids were old enough to ski. I didn’t really like it or enjoy it. Pointing my skis downhill was a completely terrifying command for my safety-conscious mind. The thought of potentially falling and getting hurt, the stories of people breaking bones, and hanging out in freezing temperatures eventually led me to decide that skiing was not for me. Even though I had legitimate concerns, I knew I was making that decision based on fear. Deep inside, I longed to be able to join my family and have as much fun as they did.

The year I made up my mind about not skiing anymore, we planned a ski trip for Spring Break with friends. We were staying in a beautiful log cabin right off the slopes where I could see snow-covered pine trees from every window. I couldn’t think of a better place to stay for a week hanging out with friends by the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa, reading a good book, and binge-watching Netflix. I was all set to enjoy a relaxing week when sadly, after only a few runs, my daughter broke her leg skiing on the first day of the trip. One of my worst fears related to skiing had come true.

After the initial shock wore off, it didn’t take long for me to realize the power that had unexpectedly landed in my lap. I had the power to influence my daughter with my fear and dislike for skiing, now justified by her painful experience, and potentially turn a family ski vacation into a father-son ski trip only. Or, I could use the power to encourage her to get on skis again.

The weeks went by and her leg healed as expected. However, she was doubtful and afraid anytime she thought about skiing again. I knew I had to encourage her to face her fear and get on skis again, but that notion went entirely against my “good judgment”. The same judgment that has always told me to be overly cautious and play it safe. Why encourage her to do the very thing that caused her pain?

Ten months after her accident we went to a different ski resort. My daughter and I understood that this was a defining moment for her. We understood that whatever decision she made (to ski or not to ski), had the potential of shaping the way she would deal with painful or challenging situations in the future. We knew that she had to face her fear.

We somehow talked her into getting ready to go ski, and I walked outside to cheer her on from the sidelines. She had a short way to go downhill from the condo to the chairlift. After several minutes of standing there frozen (literally and metaphorically), she surrendered to her fear and gave up. The boys went ahead and my daughter and I headed back to the condo.

I love my girl and I dearly enjoy her company, but it just didn’t feel right to have her in the condo with me when she could be outside enjoying the fresh mountain air, the beautiful scenery, and skiing. The condo was no match for the amazing views she could experience from the top of the mountain. Staying in the condo did not suit her. Funny how I was totally okay with making that decision for myself, but I could not bear the thought of my daughter doing the same thing. I want the world for her. I want her to be brave. I want her to live a full life, a life that is not limited by fear. I was ready to give her another pep talk when the Lord convicted me to lead by example. Before she could face her fear, I had to face mine.

I rented ski gear, got ready to go, and still my daughter did not want to come. My son and I went skiing together that afternoon, while my husband stayed with my daughter. To my surprise, I ended up having a great time! When we got back I told my daughter all about it and we decided that she would try again the next day.

The next morning, we all geared-up and headed to the chairlift. It was a clear sunny day, there was snow everywhere from the night before, and there were barely any people on the slopes. It was perfect. As soon as she took the first few turns down the slope she was hooked again. The look on her face after our first run was priceless!

Over Spring Break, she broke her leg. Ten months later, she broke a chain: the chain of fear that the enemy had immediately crafted after a painful experience to keep her from enjoying the gift of a fun family vacation. Thank God we’ll never know in what other ways that chain would have affected her life moving forward.

Fear will always try to hold us back, but we have a choice. We can stay in the safe, comfortable places, or we can step out in faith, trusting that God’s plans for us are good. The enemy wants to steal our confidence, kill our dreams, and destroy our purpose—but Jesus wants to set us free.

You can’t let fear dictate your life. You can’t let past failures, pain, or insecurities keep you from becoming who God created you to be. There is so much waiting for you on the other side of fear—joy, adventure, growth, and deep intimacy with God. You must be willing to step out, to trust Him, and to take back what the enemy has tried to steal.

Let’s choose faith over fear. Let’s refuse to let anything—or anyone—keep us from stepping into God’s best for our lives. Let’s be women who break chains, take risks, and live abundantly in the freedom Christ has given us.

FLAG THIS!

• Fear is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons to keep us from our calling.
• The enemy wants to steal our joy, kill our confidence, and destroy our dreams.
• We have the power to influence others—will we pass on fear or faith?
• Jesus came to give us an abundant life, but we must choose to walk in it.
• Overcoming fear requires action—stepping out even when it’s uncomfortable.

HEART CHECK: Reflect and Grow

• How can you surrender your fears to God and trust Him to lead you forward?
• What fears have been holding you back from stepping into God’s purpose for your life?
• Have you let past failures or pain define what you think is possible for your future?
• Are you playing it safe in areas where God is calling you to take a step of faith?
• Who in your life might be influenced by your decision to face (or avoid) fear?

Photo Credit: Caleb Evans – Mia about to ski her first black diamond five years after her accident. Family Ski Vacation 2023