The Fear of Flying.

Why don't you stand up for yourself?  I'm afraid.  How far can you push your talent?  I'm afraid.  When are you going to take the next step?  I'm afraid.

Talking with a colleague about a conversation they had with their boss, I realized fear was holding them back.  They had all sorts of great ideas, but were pretty convinced the boss wanted things to stay just as they were.  So the ideas, plans for the future, and potential greatness were all put on hold.  For the sake of status quo.  How very boring.

For you did not receive a spirit 

that makes you a slave again to fear.
Romans 8:15

Let me break it down for you.  Here are things it is NOT acceptable to be afraid of:
Failure.
Being fired.
Ruffling feathers.
Losing your status.

Instead, here are things you should really tremble over:
Just missing greatness.
Ignoring your own voice.
Falling short of God's plan for your life.
Opportunities you can't even begin to imagine.

We've all been gifted in different talents.  I marvel at how God blesses us all in such unique ways.  I grieve at how some talents are buried.  I rejoice in how others are doubled and tripled.

Your gifts.  Take them out for a spin.  Not for your glory, but for God's.  He gave them.  He deserves honor and He so delights when you enjoy what He's given you.  Recognize God's gifts in others.  And when they fly, not fall, let's all rejoice!

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).