A spirit of fear not only threatens our peace, but it hinders us from living out our fullest potential. In this post, my friend and guest writer, LaVonda McCullough, bravely shares her personal story of overcoming a spirit of fear. She found hope once again after experiencing the traumatic event of being robbed and held at gunpoint. Today, she is an accomplished author, speaker, and devoted Christian Life Coach. I believe her story will help you believe that you, too, can overcome whatever holds you captive.

I welcome you to another

Overcoming the Spirit of Fear and Finding Hope: My Journey of Triumph

Life is often filled with unexpected twists and turns, moments that challenge our very core and push us to our limits.

One such moment came for me at the age of 16 on a seemingly ordinary day at work.  A day that would forever change my perspective on fear, hope, and the strength that lies within us.

The terrifying encounter happened at Byrd’s Grocery Store where I had been working as a cashier for nearly a year.

Little did I know that this ordinary day would turn into a nightmarish ordeal.

As the clock neared closing time, the door swung open, revealing two armed men who stormed into the store.

Frozen and speechless, I stood as they yelled commands and herded us – the store manager, a bagger, and myself – like frightened sheep.

Here I was facing the unthinkable.  A gun pointed at me, I found myself kneeling before the store’s safe, trembling and tearful. It was in this moment of sheer terror that I felt the grip of fear tighten around my very being.

Asking for Courage and Strength

But within me, a glimmer of strength emerged, fueled by a powerful realization – the Lord hadn’t given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind.  Clinging to this thought, I began to whisper a prayer, a plea for courage, guidance, and safety,

The minutes dragged on like an eternity, the battle between a spirit of fear and faith in God raged within me.

Questions filled my mind – “Why was this happening?”,  “Why were we subjected to such a terrifying ordeal?”  “Was I going to die tonight?”

But even in the midst of fear, a small flame of hope flickered.

I did as I was told and began to fill bags with money, praying that the nightmare would soon be over.

Finally, the robbers left, leaving behind a room tainted with fear and vulnerability. Numb and afraid, I struggled to catch my breath.

A Spirit of Fear Brings Darkness and Uncertainty

Darkness and Uncertainty marked the days that followed. Afraid to open the curtains or blinds, I was haunted by the traumatic experience. I cried almost every day.  My anxiety was intense. My heartbeat was so fast that it echoed like a frantic fluttering caged bird desperate to escape.

Physically and mentally exhausted, I faced the challenges of police station visits and identification procedures. I grappled with feelings of hopelessness and isolation, uncertain of how to move forward.

Choosing Light and the Support of Others

I received support from my mother and church family. Someone was always with me at home or escorted me to school. I was a mess.

My grandmother encouraged me to begin reading the 23rd Psalm. She said, “Each time you start to experience heart racing and you can’t breathe, start repeating that passage.”

My grandmother taught me the importance of memorizing and meditating on scripture and hiding God’s word in my heart. “Speak it out loud,” she would repeat.

It was amazing how reading the Word of God and meditating on the promises in this passage changed my perspective. In this state of focused mindfulness, my heartbeat began to slow its frantic pace and the Holy Spirit replaced it with peace. With each breath, I felt the tension leave my body gradually and I was able to release the spirit of fear from my body.

In the midst of my darkest days, I was able to start embracing light.  It didn’t happen overnight, but was a gradual transformation.

I vowed to start each day, intentionally focused on time with God. I would contemplate verses and allow them to cascade through my thoughts like a gentle stream. God had to be first in my life.

Slowly, I summoned the courage to open the blinds and let in the light. It was a symbolic act, a testament to my determination to overcome the suffocating grasp of fear.

Lifting the Spirit of Fear

With each passing day, I felt the weight of the spirit of fear lift, replaced by a growing sense of empowerment. 

My faith in God and the power of prayer gave me what I needed to move from a place of darkness into light.  I was not alone and I would no longer isolate myself from others who loved me.  It was necessary for me to begin moving forward, so I joined a youth Bible study group.  I needed this spiritual nourishment, positive peer influence, accountability, and encouragement.  My involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes was impactful for my future.

This experience that shook me to my core ultimately became a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. Through the depths of fear, I unearthed an inner wellspring of strength and resilience that I never knew existed.

This journey taught me that even in the face of the most paralyzing fear, hope can emerge as a guiding light. As I look back on that fateful day, I am reminded of Luke 10:19.

The 23rd Psalm along with many other comforting verses serve as a reminder that amidst life’s storms, God has the final say in our lives. He will always love and protect us.

About the Author

LaVonda McCullough

LaVonda McCullough is an accomplished author, speaker, and devoted Christian Life Coach, with a passion for liberating women who are held captive by self-judgment and limiting mindsets.  Her journey from the depths of fear, shame, and depression to a place of newfound freedom fuels her mission to empower women to walk boldly along the path of their God-given purpose. With an intimate understanding of the untapped potential within and the profound impact of broken identity, she serves as a guiding light toward transformation and wholeness.

The founder of Joyful Journey, she writes at lavondamccullough.com and is armed with a Doctorate of Divinity, but most importantly the Word of God, she points to Jesus and the passion, identity, and hope found in Him.        

She utilizes Coaching, RefresHER Retreats, and her online IMPACT (Intentional Motivation Practicing Active Christian Truths) Community to teach women how to reach the divine power within.

The author of “21 Days of Fasting and Praying, The Beginner’s Guide to a Disciplined Life”, she enjoys teaching about the importance of a Daily Quiet Time and using God’s Word as Medicine.

LaVonda and her husband of 33 years, Micah, live in beautiful Stuttgart Germany, and together have 3 children; an adult daughter and college boy/girl twins. You may connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest. 

Join me in the 21-Day Daily Quiet Challenge.

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