06/09/2026 — The Day I Stopped Living in Fear

Yesterday was a very frustrating and disappointing day for me. This week started with my supervisor denying my vacation request for a PAID FOR BIRTHDAY TRIP for no good reason. Although I did not agree with her decision and felt like it was made out of spite, I bowed out gracefully.

Then yesterday came. I went to work with the anticipation of attending my granddaughter’s high school graduation. I planned on leaving one hour early and making up the time throughout the week. Before I even had the chance to speak with her, she sent an email filled with a bold-faced lie, accusing me of something I did not do, and she knows it.

I took a breather, responded professionally, told the truth, and heard nothing back. Her actions created a hostile work environment that made me so uncomfortable that I did not feel safe asking for the hour off. I honestly feel like she is trying to sabotage me to make herself look good. When I called her, she did not answer. I left a message. She never responded.

I did not pursue the issue out of fear, the fear of losing my job.

But as the day went on, frustration turned into reflection.

My granddaughter’s graduation was a once in a lifetime moment, and I missed it.
My birthday trip was paid for, planned, and reasonable, but I did not challenge her decision because of fear.
I do not drive on highways unless absolutely necessary because of fear.
I do not step out on faith sometimes because of fear.

And then it hit me.

God has placed a calling on my life, a real calling, a heavy calling, a divine assignment that fear has blocked me from answering time after time.

And here is the part nobody knew.

People have always known me as Big Bad Shelly, the one who did not fear anything, the one who stood tall, talked strong, and never backed down, the one who could handle anything and anybody.

But the truth is this. Behind that name, behind that toughness, behind that reputation, I was carrying more fear than anyone ever knew.

Fear of losing, fear of failing, fear of being seen, fear of stepping out, fear of the unknown, fear of the calling God placed on my life.

But today, I refuse to let the image of Big Bad Shelly hide the truth of who I really am in God. I am not big and bad, He is. And I do not have to pretend to be fearless when He is the One who fights for me.

Why am I so afraid of the unknown when God is the Author and Finisher of my faith.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2

If He wrote my beginning, and He already stands in my ending, what am I really afraid of.

Although I do not know what tomorrow brings, I have no choice but to keep trusting and believing God because He knows all and sees all. The truth is this. My entire life has been in His hands long before I was even formed.

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” Jeremiah 1:5

So today, I draw a line in the sand.
Today, I stop bowing to fear.
Today, I stop shrinking.
Today, I stop letting intimidation silence me.
Today, I step into the calling God placed on my life.

Prayer - The Day Fear Lost Its Grip on Me

Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before You with an open heart, a surrendered spirit, and a made-up mind. Today I declare that fear will no longer rule my decisions, my voice, my movement, or my destiny. You did not give me a spirit of fear. You gave me power, love, and a sound mind. And today, I choose to walk in what You gave me.

Lord, You have placed a calling on my life, a real calling, a heavy calling, a divine assignment that fear has blocked me from answering time after time. But today, I say no more. I fear You more than I fear people. I love You more than I love comfort. I trust You more than I trust my own understanding.

And God, You know this better than anyone. People have always known me as Big Bad Shelly, the one who did not fear anything. But behind that name, I carried fear that nobody saw. Today, I lay that fear at Your feet.

You are the Author and Finisher of my faith, the One who wrote my beginning and already stands in my ending. So why should I fear the unknown when You are already there. Why should I fear tomorrow when You hold tomorrow in Your hands.

God, You knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb. You set me apart. You appointed me. You covered me. You called me. And today, I step into that calling with boldness, courage, and obedience.

Break every chain of fear off my life.
Break every lie that told me I was not enough.
Break every intimidation that tried to silence me.
Break every attack that tried to sabotage me.
Break every spirit that tried to make me shrink back.

Lord, strengthen my voice.
Strengthen my faith.
Strengthen my confidence.
Strengthen my obedience.
Strengthen my steps as I walk into the purpose You designed for me.

I release the fear of people.
I release the fear of failure.
I release the fear of the unknown.
I release the fear of loss.
I release the fear of stepping out.

And I embrace the truth that my life is in Your hands, my future is in Your hands, my purpose is in Your hands, and my calling is in Your hands.

Father, thank You for loving me, covering me, correcting me, and calling me higher. Thank You for reminding me that I am not alone, not forgotten, not overlooked, and not powerless. I am Yours, fully, completely, and boldly.

Today is the day fear dies.
Today is the day faith rises.
Today is the day I step into who You created me to be.

In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

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Your “god” Is Not Good Enough
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