Jerusha: I’m so excited to introduce you to my longtime friend and writing buddy, Kelsey D. M. Anderson! Please join me in giving her a big FW community welcome!
By Kelsey D. M. Anderson
I like to think I’m fearless. I’m not scared of spiders or bats like most people. All those animal shows I watched as a kid helped me appreciate how unique those creatures are. I’m also not too fearful of public speaking, just as long as I know the subject I’m speaking on.
But to be honest, I’m a wimp. I have fears that most people do not. I have social anxiety, I’m not too fond of the dark, and I just recently found out that I have a fear of head lice after my two young kids got a very mild case of it. But one of my biggest fears is of the unknown and new experiences, whether good or bad.
A little over a year ago, I had my first major surgery. I had a benign cyst growing in the right side of my jaw that was eating away at my jaw bone and teeth.
The cyst was found six months prior, when I complained to my dental surgeon that I still had pain and some loose teeth after he had pulled a broken tooth months before. I could have had the surgery right then, but I was pregnant at the time. So, two months after my daughter was born, the surgery date was set. Not only did the cyst have to be taken out, but they would have to remove some teeth and do a bone graft on my jaw.
On the very early morning of the surgery, I was shaking in the hospital bed, waiting to be wheeled out to the operating room. My husband sat next to me, calm as always. So many worries were going through my head about the surgery that I’m sure most people have. Will the doctors be able get all of the cyst out? How many teeth am I going to lose? And of course the vain side of me worried about my appearance. Last I checked, missing teeth hasn’t been much of a beauty trend.
But this surgery needed to be done. If not, the cyst would keep eating at my jaw and teeth, and it’d all get worse. I had to do it. One of my favorite verses that has always brought me comfort is Psalm 61:2:
When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.
That verse also makes me think of Jesus right before He was arrested. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Mark 14:34). He fell to the ground and asked God “if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:38).
But it needed to be done. This world was being eaten alive with sin. He needed to die on that cross. He had to do it. It was the reason He came to earth in the first place. But he was only dead for three days. He arose from that grave, victorious over death and sin. Hallelujah!
Whatever fears we have, there is victory on the other side when we put our trust in Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” What could be more reassuring than that?
In case you were wondering, the jaw surgery went great. They needed to take out two teeth, but honestly, I’m okay with that giant hole in my mouth, because it means I have overcome. I just had my one-year follow-up appointment and my jaw is healed up with no cyst in sight. To God be the glory.
Have you ever had to do something you feared because it needed to be done? Has trust in God helped you battle or overcome your fear? Please share!
Kelsey D. M. Anderson is a wife, mommy, and writer all in one. Originally a South Dakota girl, Kelsey now makes her home in Northeast Wisconsin.
Besides writing, she loves reading, crafts, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Connect with Kelsey at her website and on Facebook and Twitter.
Comments 13
I’ve recently realized that I’ve been living life afraid. I make most of my decisions based on fear. I wasn’t always that way. So I’m thankful for your post today. It’s a wonderful reminder that we can face the unknown with courage and confidence because of the grace of God.
So glad this post was encouraging to you, Betty! 😀
Second Corinthians 12:9 is one of my favorite Scriptures. It is so reassuring when I am feeling overwhelmed and have come to the realization that what I’m facing is too much for me to handle in my own strength (which is a daily occurrence!). Thanks for sharing with us your experience and what God has taught you about fear.
It is a great verse! Thanks for reading, MJ! 😀
I love that now the missing teeth are a reminder that you overcame with Jesus! I feel similarly about the scar on my wrist from surgery. It’s an important part of my journey. Praise God for the way He uses tough experiences to shape us and our lives into something that pleases Him!
You’ll have to show me your scar next time we get together! 😛
Kelsey, thank you for sharing your story and the encouragement to “do what needs to be done.” I too am fearful of the unknown. I love your Scripture verse, and I’m going to add it to my list of verses I go to when fear lurks (it’s a long list). Blessings to you!
Thanks, Hope! Blessings!
Oh I can so relate to the idea that I seem fearless because my fears might be a little different from others. Crowded spaces make me uncomfortable, small talk miserable, and I am prone to worry (a sin battle I FIGHT!). I love this story about how you over came!
I’m not too fond of crowded spaces, and I’m horrible at small talk! My mind always go blank. 😛 Thanks for reading, Helene! 😀
Kelsey, a year ago I underwent neck surgery. It was a long and delicate operation and there were tons of risks involved. But the possibility of being pain free was irresistible. I remember being on that hospital gurney as they wheeled me into the operating room. I had my whole church praying for me, and as I lay there getting prepped, I felt the presence of angels around my bed. Like God was say, “See, you’re in my hands, and my hands are also on the surgeon’s hands.” It is good to be continually in God’s Word—just as you are—practicing the reality of God’s presence, provision and protection. So that when the moment of your crucible arrives your spirit is prepared. Thanks for your wonderful true story. You encouraged me today!
So glad it was encouraging to you, Dena! 😀 Blessings!
What an encouraging post, Kelsey! Thank you for sharing.