Jerusha: I’m delighted to welcome my good friend and fellow author, Janyre Tromp, to the FW Blog! Janyre is giving away one print copy of her upcoming novel, Shadows in the Mind’s Eye, to one of you! So read on and enter the giveaway below!
By Janyre Tromp
My mom has this distinct childhood memory of walking across the ice in front of her house . . . until she wasn’t.
She remembers the dog barking. The stinging cold of the dark water, her snowsuit pulling her under, pushing off the bottom to bob to the surface. My grandmother running out of the house, seeming to disappear as she dipped down the hill, only to crash through the ice a moment later dragging her three-year-old child out of the cold.
Losing a child—it’s a parent’s worst nightmare.
This story probably accounts for the fact that my kids and I all took a myriad of swim lessons and also that my first car had manual windows.
But the preparation hasn’t stopped the fear—the nasty feeling of anticipation or awareness of something going very, very wrong.
I still anxiously check for rip tides on Lake Michigan before letting my kids swim and still have to talk myself down when I’m heading beneath the waves with my SCUBA gear strapped to my body.
Unfortunately, my “slightly more than healthy” respect for the water isn’t my only fear. Which is ironic since most people who casually know me wouldn’t call me a control freak, wouldn’t say that I’m anxious or type A.
Maybe for a good portion of my life, I could hide my tendency toward fear because I was mostly blissfully unaware. Not that my life was pain-free (I come from a broken home with a generous helping of damage), but nothing I really cared about—my friends, my kids—had been threatened. I’d stood in the shallows of the storms rather than being in a swamped boat with a hurricane bearing down.
Then in paraded a series of my greatest fears.
ACL reconstruction for my girl, spinal surgery for my husband, recurrent pneumonia for my son, suspected lupus for me, and an unknown issue that had my daughter fighting for her life . . . all within one year.
Living through that year was a horrendous blur of exhaustion and trying to hold us together enough that our family boat didn’t go under.
They say time heals wounds. Four years later, you’d think I would be okay.
But here’s the thing: now I know what can happen.
And that knowledge has me watching for storms when there isn’t a cloud in the sky. It has me preparing for the worst when something else is much more likely.
As God has pried my fingers off the proverbial bailing bucket, He’s asked me to stop expecting the worst, and instead ask:
What’s the most likely scenario?
Looking for the most likely helps stop the panic over every tiny cloud in the sky. It helps me live a bit more in the moment, to see the places where others will step in to help, where God has the long-term under control.
And if the worst comes?
What happens when the ice underneath us cracks and the waves crash over us?
There’s something I know to be true. We don’t have control over it. It doesn’t matter how prepared we are, life will not go the way we expect.
It’s in those moments, where the boat deck tips unexpectedly, that I’m learning to trust. To choose “to be still and know” that God ultimately has it under control.
Now before you tell me about all the ways God might fail, let me tease apart that quote from Psalm 46:10 a bit.
To “be still” is to recognize that we are weak, that we can’t add an hour to our days through worry, and we can’t stop life’s trouble through preparation or anxiety. We do not have control no matter how much we scramble. What comes will come.
But there’s good news. The Hebrew word “to know” carries the idea that we know because we’ve seen it, touched it before.
You all, look around. Ask the people around you how they’ve seen God move.
I bet you’ll uncover a whole host of stories that say, “I didn’t expect God to show up how He did.”
I, in fact, have started keeping a record of my stories and other people’s stories just to remind myself of what’s possible…even if the worst happens.
How do you begin when the future seems blocked by fear? Please share!
Photos by Winner01 from pixabay and Jinnifer Lim Tamkican. Original graphics designed by Christen Krumm.
Janyre Tromp is a historical novelist who loves spinning tales that, at their core, hunt for beauty, even when it isn’t pretty. She’s the author of Shadows in the Mind’s Eye (releasing in April 2022) and co-author of It’s a Wonderful Christmas. She’s also a book editor, published children’s book author, and lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her family, two crazy cats, and a slightly eccentric Shetland Sheepdog.
Connect with Janyre on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and head over to her website where you can sign up for her newsletter for a free copy of her novella Wide Open!
Janyre is giving away one copy of Shadows in the Minds Eye! Enter via the Rafflecopter below! (Giveaway ends February 21, 2022. Due to shipping costs, we can only mail to a US mailing address.)
Shadows in the Minds Eye
In 1946, a soldier returns from the Pacific Theatre to his young family and no one knows if he’s actually seeing criminals in the Arkansas hills or if, in a Hitchcockian twist, his battle-scarred mind has made him the true danger.
“Shadows in the Mind’s Eye is a stunner of a debut novel. A compelling look at a town struggling to find its soul and a wounded couple struggling to reclaim their love. Not to be missed.”
~Sarah Sundin, ECPA-bestselling and award-winning author of Until Leaves Fall in Paris and When Twilight Breaks
Buy Here (25% off + free shipping)
Comments 73
I love the idea of writing down ours and other people’s stories as reminders of what’s possible. ❤️ A great way to
motivate faith when fear wants to make its way in.
Rehearsing what God has done has saved me more than a few times.
I’m like you, Janyre; now that I’ve seen how bad things can happen, sometimes in a split second, and the sheer level of bad it can be, I am now even more of a Worst Case Scenario champion than I was previously. This is super helpful; thank you so much for sharing!
You are most welcome!
Thank you for sharing this, Janyre. I’ve experienced this the littlest bit since my 33-year-old son was killed in a car accident a few months ago. Every once in a while, I get concerned that my 18 year old hasn’t gotten home from . . . wherever . . . yet, and my mind can start to go to dark places. I’ve been leaning on texting in these scenarios to check in with her, but this article is reminding me that I need to first lean on Jesus for my peace of mind. And it’s still okay to text her for accountability. 😉
Oh Sarah! I am so sorry for your loss. Knowing what can happen makes it so much more of a challenge. I’m sending up prayers for you.
I so resonate with this. It’s easy to get sucked under by all the what-ifs. This verse has been a steadying force for me. Be still. Be still and know. Be still and know that he is God. Even if (and even when) those things happen, I know he will be with me. I have to trust this and rest in it. Worrying about all the things that could be, does me no good. Knowing he will be with me if they do happen, does me a world of good. Thank you for this timely reminder.
I have a ring set that says, “Be still and know.” It’s a good reminder.
This books sounds so good. Thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you for entering! I’m super excited for it to come out 🙂
This article really spoke to me. My family endured a year and a half of hell on Earth, and nothing ever went the way we hoped/expected it to during that time. Thankfully, God is so good! Not only did he walk with us the entire way, but he sent us an army here on earth. When praying for help in a dire situation, do not think that God will deliver you a life free of struggle. That’s not how it works, and it was an incredibly important and humbling lesson I learned during one of the most difficult times in my life. He WILL show you the silver lining in the sky full of clouds, if you are ready and willing to see it!
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)
I’m so sorry you had to endure that tough time. I’m glad you are doing well now.
Thank you. I needed this today. I’m sure I could have used it a few days ago when it was first published, too, but it hit home with greater force today. I used to be very trusting as a young person, well into adulthood. Only recently have I begun to be fearful in the ways you described. But this is a good reminder that God is in control, that we can’t change the future by worrying, and it’s so much better to just rest in the knowledge that He’s got this. And even if the worst happens, He’s there.
Amen and amen. But I am sorry to hear that you had a rough day a few days back. I’ll be praying for you.
Janyre, the practice of writing down those stories of God’s faithfulness, especially when it happens in wild and unexpected ways, is so spot on. When God did things like that for the Israelites, He instituted ways for them to remember–like Passover and the pile of stones that commemorated crossing the Jordan at flood stage on dry land. He wants us to remember this part of the past so we can trust His love for the future.
We practice raising an Ebenezer at our house. They’re such good reminders of God’s faithfulness.
I am the type A, control freak sort of person and God has been chipping away at that. In the past year, I’ve lost my dad to covid, lost my job, lost the contents of my backyard to a neighbor’s fallen tree, and my husband was diagnosed with cancer. But, there is that peace that passes all understanding. There’s been a forced sabbath while my husband’s immune system is trashed during cold/flu/covid season keeping us essentially in lockdown, and God has been teaching me that He is in control and He will take care of me. I can’t be anyone else’s savior and no one else can be mine. That’s His job and His alone. It’s a tough lesson. But I’m learning it. Hopefully I won’t forget it as soon as things return to some semblance of normal.
Oh Erin. I have been where you are, and it is not an easy place. I am STILL learning to release control, to say, “You know better than I.” Some days are better than others, but I think I’m getting better at it . . . maybe. I’m saying a prayer for you and your husband as you walk this cancer road.
Thank you! His prognosis is good and treatment seems to have been successful. Follow-up scan in a few weeks will tell us for sure. Regardless, it’s been a year of fully leaning into Jesus.
This was excellent. What we all need in today’s World.
Thank you so much, Sunnie. Wishing you blessings.
I too am very cautious around water. When I was younger, we didn’t go swimming often, but went to the local beach. My sisters had inner tunes but I did not. Somehow all three of us ended up nor being able to touch, with a deflating tube. Thankfully my Mom heard us yelling. I now do not like to be in water where I cannot touch. We have a swimming pool and all 4 of my kids have learned to swim. However, when the grandkids come in a few years it’s going, because young kids with pools scare me as well.
We passed up buying a house on water for this EXACT reason. Now that my kids are older, I wouldn’t mind it though since we can all swim well.
Thank you for sharing, Janyre! Such great reminders of the powerful God we serve.
My pleasure. God is indeed good . . . even when it doesn’t seem like it at the time.
I love the cover!
Hi Janyre, thank you for writing this Shadows in the Mind’s Eye, and I hope it would guide me through and overcome my fear of facing the unknown, and sometimes bouts of my panic attack when I think of the past, the time lost and the loss of my loved ones – my parents, my uncle, my cousin and my pets. Say a prayer.
I will say a prayer for you. Shadows in the Mind’s Eye is a novel though. One of my favorite books for dealing with my own anxiety and PTSD is Aundi Kolber’s book Try Softer.
Thank you! The design team knocked it out of the park with this one!
It is hard to overcome fear, but I pray for God to take away the anxiety. I have seen the wonderful works that He does and I love hearing other people’s experiences.
I agree that God does amazing things, but he sometimes uses outside help too. Not only do I go to a counselor when I’m struggling, I read a TON on the topic. One of my favorite books for dealing with my own anxiety and PTSD is Aundi Kolber’s book Try Softer.
Thank for entering me in the giveaway!!
Absolutely!
I so appreciate the truth that you shared. It’s so refreshing to read how others experience life and learn so much from having lived through trials. We all face them and always will until we’re in Heaven. How we survive them with faith intact is what God loves. satan is ticked, but God rejoices!!!!
Amen and amen.
The past year and and a half has been rough and at first is was just trying to make it through a moment with God and it has slowly gotten easier but everyday it’s reminding myself that I cannot do anything in my own power. It’s only by the grace of God that I make it through each day. I have had to picture that picture I’ve seen of Jesus leaning forward towards me with the boat and storm in the background reaching out to take my hand. It is definitely hard not to worry about what’s next after you’ve gone through things but I just keep asking God for that hedge of protection.
That’s a great perspective, Nicole. But I’m sorry you’ve had a rough 18 months. God is amazing and powerful and loving, but I also have gotten to the point where I realize that he often uses outside sources to help! Not only do I go to a counselor when I’m struggling, I read a TON on the topic. One of my favorite books for dealing with my own anxiety and PTSD is Aundi Kolber’s book Try Softer.
This sounds like a powerful book to read. Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
It’s my pleasure.
Looking forward to reading this book!
I’m so excited that it will be in people’s hands soon!
Writing down our stories or someone else’s can help with our walk with God because we can come back and read the problem and see how God worked in that particular situation. Striving to walk in faith sure isn’t easy but is so worth it in the long run when you see the results.
I sure would love to read and review the book in print format.
Writing down our stories is SO important. I’m a firm believer in marking God’s faithfulness as well. And I can’t wait for everyone to have copies of the book!
Thanks for the great insight and reminder. I recently suffered multiple injuries in a car accident and have been reminded every day to be grateful for the small things.
Oh Beverly, I am so sorry to hear about your accident. Sometimes just focusing on those little things was the only way I could get through the day. BUT I’m also a firm believer in the fact that God sometimes uses outside help. Not only do I go to a counselor when I’m struggling, I read a TON on the topic. One of my favorite books for dealing with my own anxiety and PTSD is Aundi Kolber’s book Try Softer.
I’m praying for you.
My daughter would say I’m the worst about fearing the future. But when you see some much of the bad…
EXACTLY. But here’s the thing, I can’t control it by worrying about it. So I’m slowly releasing my death grip on all the things. Of course I’m not perfect at it and my journal often has pleadings of help! But also take advantage of the outside help God provides. Not only do I go to a counselor when I’m struggling, I read a TON on the topic. One of my favorite books for dealing with my own anxiety and PTSD is Aundi Kolber’s book Try Softer.
Thank you for sharing this… when things get overwhelming for me, I remember that God is in control and tell myself “God’s got this” (sometimes it takes several times to get it to sink in!). You are a new to me author, this book looks like one I will enjoy… thanks for having this giveaway!
Oh my goodness, Angie. This is what I do too! I can’t control it anyway so I might as well give someone else a try 🙂
Thank you for sharing. I try to keep trusting God in all things but at times it is hard to let go and let God. Thank you for the wonderful chance. Blessings
I agree that God does amazing things, but he sometimes uses outside help too. Not only do I go to a counselor when I’m struggling, I read a TON on the topic. One of my favorite books for dealing with my own anxiety and PTSD is Aundi Kolber’s book Try Softer.
This book sounds intriguing! Thanks for the chance to win!
My pleasure. Thank you for entering.
Sounds like an exciting mystery! Would love to read it!
I’m glad it sounds good. Good luck on the giveaway.
Sounds like an amazing read.
Thank you, PJ.
Thanks for sharing. This book sounds like a must read.
Thank you! I’m so excited for it to be out in the world soon!
Hi! Thanks so much for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! Would love to win a print copy! God bless! Lual Krautter Email: krautter62520@outlook.com
Thank you for entering the giveaway!
How did you come up with the idea for this book ?
It was a combination of things. Listening to my grandparents’ stories of the war, watching their amazing marriage, and wondering how they did it. Then finding a location was from my best friend’s family. One branch of her family is from the area. And from there my crazy mind wove the rest together.
Hi Janyre, thank you for writing this Shadows in the Mind’s Eye, and I hope it would guide me through and overcome my fear of facing the unknown, and sometimes bouts of my panic attack when I think of the past, the time lost and the loss of my loved ones – my parents, my uncle, my cousin and my pets. Say a prayer.
Clinging to God’s truth through His word is key to overcome fear whether it is regards to the future or anything I am facing currently. The Psalms are especially helpful for a quick turnaround in focus and attitude.
The Psalms are a lifesaver to me! I’m reading back through them again right now as a matter of fact.
Thank You for sharing and Thank you for this amazing giveaway!
It’s absolutely my pleasure.
Hey Janyre, I overcome fear by listening to worship music, reading the word, prayer and staying connected to the warriors the Lord has placed in my life!
That’s a great way of rehearsing God’s goodness.
I read the bible, devotionals, and pray to God when I feel my fears coming on. Reading through Psalms, as well as, the book of Matthew have helped me to calm my fears. I have added your books to my list as they all sound like wonderful reads!
Thank you for sharing about this!!
It’s hard to let go of the bailing bucket! It took me years after my husband’s almost fatal run-in with cancer. I’m learning to be vigilant in my relationship with God instead of depending on my powers to bail fast.