Bold for Others, Brave for Herself - Part 2 (episode 278-2)
What happens when faith calls you to let go of control and say yes — even when you’re scared?
In this heartfelt episode, Rechelle and Lina talk about the tension between wanting to trust God and fearing what others might think. From childhood influences and unexpected role models to laughter over sleepovers on the floor, this conversation reminds us that joy, courage, and growth often show up in the most ordinary moments. It’s a powerful reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s where God does His best work.
Lina is our guest this week for Spicy Christian Women - Becoming All that and a Bag of Chips. This is part two of our conversation.
Lina has been on the podcast before in I am Not Shunning Emotions Anymore episode 251.
You can find her at Lina La Rue.
We don’t need to be so afraid.
— Lina La Rue
A Better Place to Reside
Thoughts from Bold for Others, Brave for Herself
What would it look like if we tamped down our fear? I think we would enjoy life more, we would go after our dreams, and we would love with a fierceness known by few. I recently saw an Instagram reel of a woman who was talking about how children are unapologetically themselves until they hit a certain stage and then the shrinking begins. So true! I remember being in the sixth grade, and a boy who was a friend (and an occasional crush) told me I had a shiny (or was it a big?) forehead. Oh, the shame I felt. I looked in the mirror when I got home. Yes, it did look shiny. (Or was it big? Who can remember which adjective was used.) The point is that comment given by someone whose opinion I valued, was devastating to this 11 year-old girl. So wearing my hair differently with the use of bangs (or fringe as we call it today) was needed, stat.
Those are the moments that really change the trajectory of how you see yourself, of what you think you’re capable of. While you may not be able to recall super specific instances like this, you might be able to see the evolution of some of your fears.
Afraid to speak in public? That’s about 75% of us. But why you ask? We’re afraid of judgment, of what other people might think. (I would emphasize might. Really, we have no control of that - ever.) Likely this was rooted in school when you got called on, maybe to go up to the board and someone snickered or the teacher made some kind of comment and you were mortified. Nope, not going to volunteer to go up to the board again. Lesson learned.
Afraid to die? Around 42% of us are. Yes, you read that right. We are more afraid of public speaking than we are of death. You may have already known that. Jerry Seinfeld had a great line about that back on Seinfeld "To the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy." Yes, that is funny stuff and appears to be accurate for most.
Afraid of…? We’ve got all kinds of phobias: social, flying, snakes, heights, enclosed spaces, open spaces, needles, storms, germs, clowns, and a whole slew of countless others.
Afraid of…? There is fear of failure, of success, of the unknown, of change, of judgment, of not being good enough, of rejection, of responsibility. Are there others? For sure. This list is not exhaustive.
All of these fears must tell us something. We spend too much time in them, which is plain to see. Why don’t we become more intentional in stepping out of this lane and into one that is healthier, more satisfying, and one that can bring a deep sense of joy and peace in fulfilling who we are, what we do, and how we do it. Isn’t the opposite of fear, love? So if that’s true we need to spend more time residing there. I think we need to do it day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
As I was waking up this morning, I noticed I was feeling anxious. Not sure why exactly just that I continue to find myself in a wound up state. I was trying to pray but kept getting distracted. (Imagine that.) Then I remembered an exercise to get me grounded in the moment. What five things could I hear? What five things could I touch? (And I would have done what five things could I see but my eyes were closed. I wasn’t in a situation to smell or taste.) Within mere minutes my breathing slowed, I felt in the moment, and I drifted back to sleep. That was not my goal but isn’t it telling that I did? Isn’t that a kind of love? Looking after myself took me out of fear and into nourishment - one way to show love.
If we can take care of ourselves we will actually have more to give, more to share, and we will be a robust, best version of who we each are. That is the opposite of fear. The world seems to want us to speed up ever faster so that we’re not really living anymore, we’re hustling (and not the good kind). Let’s dial all of that back to a place, and a time, of relishing each moment, all the moments. Care to join me?
Perfect love casts out fear.
— 1 John 4:18
This woman (my mom) has loved me perfectly all my years.
