Let It Go

So, I just got back from watching the newest Disney movie, Frozen. I heard it was a great movie from many different people. I totally agree. I've been walking around singing the main song from the movie, Let It Go thanks to Michelle, one of my basketball players, who was randomly singing it while we were eating lunch after a practice. Anyway, they got that song in my head and as we got closer to the release of it here in Korea, that song started popping up everywhere. So, I had a pretty good grasp on the chorus before I even saw the movie.

We had talked about watching the movie as a team (their idea), but the girls bailed on me, so I took my friends' daughter. She's a 2nd grader at our school and part of my "Korea" family. Knowing that we will all be leaving Korea at the end of the school year, I've been trying to spend some special time with each of their youngins. So, Abby and I went to watch Frozen tonight. We got to see the 3D version, which was even more fun.

When it finally came to the part where Elsa sings  Let It Go, I was ready to sing and dance my way through it. Anyway, after I got home and settled in for the evening, I couldn't get that song out of my head. So, I went over to good ole' YouTube and found the song. After listening to it (repeatedly), I began think about one of the major themes (I'm no scholar, but this is what I took away) in the movie, "Letting fear hold you back from living your life."
Many people live their lives in fear. Fear of the unknown future. Fear of people's opinions.  Fear of failure. Fear of death, sickness, injury, loneliness, loss, poverty... the list could go on and on. For me, I find fear (aka worry) likes to creep up often. I try to keep it at bay, but if I'm not careful my mind likes to take trips to the fear factory. I can't be the only one who struggles, because there are so many songs, movies, tv shows, books, and scripture references that deal heavily with this topic. I had the thought, I wonder how many times the Bible says 'Fear Not' or 'Do Not Be Afraid', I tried to do a quick search, but after scanning through www.Biblegateway.com, I was overwhelmed, so I just googled it. Unfortunately, the results from Google were just as overwhelming. Maybe someone with more knowledge and patience can answer that question for me. Anyway, it's pretty big number. Clearly, God knows that we are fearful and need to be reminded often that we aren't supposed to fear.
We aren't supposed to fear, because God is in control. He is good. He has a plan. His ways are way better than our own. We can have freedom in Him. Freedom from fear, Freedom from Hell. Freedom to live our lives. This freedom comes from knowing Him and seeking Him daily. Many people think that following God has all these limits and rules. They think that following God with our lives is boring.  They are sadly mistaken. Following God and trusting Him with my life has been the best decision I have ever made. It isn't easy to follow, but it's always worth it. Following Him doesn't guarantee wealth, riches, and an easy life. However, it guarantees the best life!
Personally, I am going through a time, when deciding to follow is not easy. It means leaving a place that I love. It means saying goodbye - maybe forever - to people that I have grown to love as my family. It means stepping out into an unknown future. Who knows where God will lead me. Who knows how long I'll be in America. Who knows if I'll ever get back to Korea or the mission field. Who knows the future? I sure don't. But I trust that my God does. I am letting go of the fear that holds me back. I'm letting go and jumping into the storm ready to go where He leads.

Deuteronomy 31: 7-9 7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. 8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Psalm 46: 1 - 3 God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present[b] help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 

5 

Psalm 118: 5-7 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
    the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
    What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is on my side as my helper;
    I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.