The story I am about to share happened two and a half years ago. I shared it with a class I was teaching at the time, but have never written about it until now.

In some strange way, I wanted to keep it inside of my soul. It was such a personal and life-altering moment that I didn't want to taint it by setting it free from my heart and mind.

However, today, God reminded me of this story. I needed to hear it again. I needed to remember the lesson it taught me. I hope it will encourage you as well.

Several years ago, I struggled with debilitating fear.

It consumed every aspect of my life. I was afraid to take my kids to school, I was afraid to eat certain foods, I was afraid to travel, I was afraid something would happen to me, my husband, or my kids.

Honestly, fear ruled most of my childhood, teenage years, and well into adulthood.

Fear affected my relationships, my calling, my dreams and desires.

When I started reading the Bible back in 2012, I was determined to let God heal me from fear once and for all.

I began to memorize scripture, and I began to devour God’s word. I could not get enough.

Last week was a heavy one .

A family very dear to us lost their beloved husband and father. The loss left behind a beautiful wife with two radiant girls. He fought a long and hard battle with cancer.

Shortly after, we get the news that a friend of my daughter’s took his life in her dorm on her college campus.

The very next day, a young college girl out for a morning jog was brutally attacked and killed, on the same campus my daughter attends.

Jesus, be near. The only words I can think to mutter.