Years ago, I got a new job that required I walk through a scary building twice a day.  It was a security check. And it was part of my job.

Light bulbs had burned out in most of the building, so it was pitch black in the hallways.  I submitted an order for them to be changed but that took a few days.  In the meantime, I had to go through the building.

Friends said I should skip it until the lights were fixed.  But I was compelled to do my job correctly.  I didn’t want fear to victimize me.  So, I searched for comfort and protection through memorizing scripture.

I chose: “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a strong mind” 2 Timothy 1:7.

And I mumbled it over and over until I had it memorized.  Then I said it again and again, sometimes screaming it, while I ran through that dark building twice a day.

Fear didn’t go away but the scripture gave me a focus besides fear. And it gave me something to say while screaming.

Gradually I learned a few things from that verse.

#1 – It said I wasn’t crazy.  And even though I thought I was going over the edge, God said I wasn’t.  He said I had a strong mind.  Even though my self-image needed lots of repair I said the verse repeatedly because God was more right than my chaos.

#2 – It said God gave me power.  Since I had no power over the chaos of my life, I desperately wanted it. And He said I had it.  So, I said the verse during my lunch and breaks.

#3 – It said I had love.  I didn’t feel like I had any but God said I had love.  So, that meant it came from Him, not me. That should make a difference.  And amazingly it did.  I began seeing my customers through love and finding ways to bless them.  It was a real eye-opener to discover I could be a blessing, an asset to others.

Fear seemed to be one of my biggest hurdles.  And it’s connection to my self-esteem began to unravel during this experience.