Welcome to the Interview Series!
It is a joy to host Kelly Balarie as she shares the heart behind her newly released book, Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears.
Interview with Kelly Balarie
1. Why did you decide to tackle the subject of fear for your book?
Frankly, I got sick and tired of living more fearful than faithful. It takes work. Hard work. It takes a whole lot of jealousy, comparing, striving, and procrastinating – to cover the deep fear I’m the bad apple in God’s bunch. And, it takes a whole lot of protecting, worrying, and controlling – to keep my mind thinking I am safe and sound.
I didn’t embrace the state of peace, but instead, a state of constant panic.
Under the cover of my smile, I couldn’t figure out why, either:
I’d done Christmas x 20.
I’d gone to church and memorized John 3:16 and Phil. 4:6-7.
I was up on Christianese terminolgy – and good theology.
I was in a church community group.
I was repenting and trying not to sin.
So, why did I feel like a holy roller at church, yet wholly loser at home? Why did I fear my house was about to explode and, my kids, upon arrival of dinner, would have ketchup rocket-launchers exploding on just-cleaned windows? Why could I see my heart being thrust into cardiac arrest if people didn’t abide by my commands? Why did I envision ailments, Google them and figure I’d die before even being able to Facebook the world?
If God is as powerful as he says he is; I needed a rescue – in a big way. They say don’t put God to the test, but I guess I did. I wanted to see if he loved me. I found out he did. That’s what saved me. And that’s the hope I offer readers in Fear Fighting.
2. What is something that you are afraid of? How has God helped you face that particular fear?
Ordinarily, I’d be desperately afraid you’d:
1. Hate this post.
2. Judge me for writing it.
3. Think I was a bad writer, mother, woman or child of God.
I’d imagine you silently writing my name down on a list you carry around in your head – the one that you reserve for the people who are extraordinarily stupid or exceedingly faithless. I’d fear you, then I’d steer clear of you.
Truth is, you may judge moment-by-moment, but God doesn’t operate like that. You may hate me, but I have discovered I am loved by God. You may disagree with me, but there is no changing the promises of God. I’ve learned to fight fear by wielding truth.
3. What is one of your favorite Bible verses for combating fear? What is a story from your life that illustrates you applying that verse to a fearful situation?
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15
When my son has a nightmare, he runs to our room. He doesn’t sit in the dark shivering. He doesn’t wait around for that evil thing to pop out. He doesn’t figure everyone who cares for him has up and left. He runs in to daddy. Why? Because love is there. Love waits. And, he knows, with the arms of love wrapped around him and truth unfolding, nothing has the power to touch him.
The same is true for us.
4. Many people are living in fear, in light of events in their life and in our world. What encouragement do you have for them?
No matter how well planned, you’ll never find an escape door through mental escape routes. While numbing, running, controlling and/or avoiding appear like good ways out, in the end, they lead to hard-stops, dead-ends every time. I should know, I’ve slammed up against them a time or two. Ouch!
Real escape only arrives when you run into him who is refuge, the strong tower, the name above all names. There, in his being, in his presence, in his power and in his might, you are untouchable. In his grace, he equips you with every good thing. This is escape.
5. What has been one of your favorite aspects of the book writing process? What has been one of the most difficult?
God was present. With Him, I wrote. In Him, I felt. Empowered by his love, I found myself free. Like a girl falling in love, every time we met, my heart jumped with thrill and expectation at what He’d do next. He didn’t just show up, he miraculously moved my heart from injured and insecure to – in Him. We retreated. We shared tears. We enjoyed each other. We delighted in what His words would do in the hearts of so many agonizing women. We found purpose, passion and – eventually, he walked me up to – courage.
6. Would you offer up a fear-fighting prayer for us?
God, we are tired. We are restless. Sometimes, we are, hopeless. Restore us, Christ Jesus. Wrap us in the fullness of grace, the abundance of mercy and the radiance of You. Grant us eyes to see – not through the dimmed glasses of the world, but through the clear and unvarnished promises of God. For then, we will not sway amidst the strong winds of insecurities and worries, health and hurdles, finances and infinite circumstances that could blow up in our face. We will stand firm in you. Teach us. Mold us. Make us into your image. Amen.
7. Anything else you would like to share?
I don’t think there’s any better time than now to rise up, to join hands and fear fight. For the mission we’ve been called to, as Christians, is great. The time is ripe, the field is ready for harvest; we must prepare for the workers to be many. God has not called us to be couch potatoes, but to be tornadoes of faith, hope and love in a downtrodden world. Get up. The time is now. Stand firm. God is calling you to something. Today, make a choice to stop trembling with uncertainty, and to start walking, on firm foundation, to God’s greatest callings. He won’t let you down, in fact, he’ll pick you up and place you into the greatest and grandest story of your life (Is. 41:10 for more on that).
Thank you for sharing the heart behind your book today, Kelly!
Interested in fighting fear? Join the 4 Days to Fearless Challenge!
About the book, Fear Fighting: Awakening the Courage to Overcome Your Fears:
Author and Speaker, Kelly Balarie didn’t always fight fear – for a large part of her life, she was controlled by it. Yet, in her book, Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears, with God, Kelly charts a new course. Join Kelly, on the journey to go and grow with Christ’s bravery, the Spirit’s counsel and God’s unending love that squelches fear. This book reads like a love letter from God, while offering practical heart-calming prayers, anxiety-reducing tips, and courage-building decrees that will transform your day. www.fearfightingbook.com
About Kelly Balarie:
Kelly is both a Cheerleader of Faith and a Fighter of Fear. She leans on the power of God, rests on the shoulder of Christ, and discovers how to glow in the dark places of life. Get all Kelly’s blog posts by email or visit her on her blog, Purposeful Faith. You can also find a variety of resources for your fight against fear here.
It’s time to link-up your courage words below as part of the #RaRaLinkup:
Katie, you’ve been such a faithful and supportive friend to Kelly during this book launch, and it’s been a blessing to read her words here on your site. Blessed to be part of the Fear Fighting team! May God continue to use the book for His glory.
Thank you for your kind words Michele. Glad you enjoyed Kelly’s interview n “Fear Fighting”. Excited about you being on God-sized Dreams– enjoy your time there, such a great group! 🙂
I’m so excited about the message of Kelly’s book, and I appreciate your sharing her words here, Katie. I especially appreciate her words about the writing process and God being the center of it.
Hi dear Betsy! You live this message on a regular basis and are an encouragement to so many. Yes, great insights from Kelly to write with God. 🙂
Kelly (Katie),
Thank you for sharing so openly here and in your book. So many of us live or have lived in intense fear. Oh, how God wants us to run into His open arms calling “Abba” Father. He is the antidote for our fear – the only one. As you said, human systems don’t work. May many be pointed to Him through you!
Blessings,
Bev
HI Bev: May His Spirit stomp out fear as you rest in His love for you as a daughter. 🙂
Excited for how Kelly’s book is going to help women be set FREE to fly!
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
HI Sherry: Yes, freedom! You are seen and loved by the King, Sherry. Be uplifted today- He knows your name. 🙂
Kelly’s words have been a welcome respite for me, Katie… and Her powerful prayers are perhaps my favorite part of the book. I love the way she wrote it with Him, it is evident…because everyone who reads it feels the exchange of His love in the midst of it.
Thanks for sharing this interview. Praying that Kelly’s book continues to bring Jesus right in the midst of people’s fear struggles.
Blessings,
Dawn
HI Dawn: What a beautiful encouragement for Kelly– yes, her book was a literary dance with Jesus. 🙂 Glad it has blessed and encouraged you. Hope you are having a great 2017 so far.
Thank you for hosting this week’s link-up Katie. Kelly’s book has been a good read to start off the new year. Blessings to you. 🙂
You are welcome Lisa. Glad Kelly’s book is kicking off 2017. You are a beautiful soul, mother, and writer Lisa. 🙂
I love the honesty and how it’s a “we” with our Father thing. Thanks for sharing, Katie and Kelly. Setting Fear Fighting at the Throne in prayer. #goJesus
Thank you for your prayers, Kristi. Hope you’re having a great 2017!
Katie,
Thanks for sharing this in interview with Kelly! What a joy it is to read this book…God is truly speaking to our hearts and raising up an army of fear fighters.
As I read Kelly’s prayer above, I was moved to claim it for the group of young women I mentor. I will be praying these words over them each week as we meet.
Thanks for hosting the linkup and for all you do to encourage us as we write the words our Father gives us!
Much love,
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine: You are a gem! I know those women are so blessed to know you and have you as a friend. You are loved, not for what you do but because you belong to the Father and in Christ you are approved, delighted in, and cherished. 🙂
Kelly I cherish how open you are, always dishing out the real and helping me see I am not alone. As I see it, it’s like I feel free to overcome. I am giving God the glory here, but want to thank you for being a willing vessel, a friend. After reading your book I took some time away to draw closer to the Father. I am in awe of how fighting fear is less about me throwing punches in the air to the principalities and more about resting in the Father’s arms who loves me and will fight for me. Praying your story will reach and reach….to people and more people. God is big like that! Katie, you are a sweet blessing and we appreciate you sharing Kelly’s message here! Keep up the faith, the good work, friend.
Meghan- I love what you said here “I am in awe of how fighting fear is less about me throwing punches in the air to the principalities and more about resting in the Father’s arms who loves me and will fight for me.” Yes and Amen! Rest well. 🙂
This: “I got sick and tired of living more fearful than faithful.” Yes. This. 1000x.
I love this fight for faith! Thanks for sharing your heart!
Hi Becky: Glad you were encouraged by Kelly’s words. Thanks for being here! 🙂
Love Kelly’s heart to encourage all of us with her honest struggles. Fighting fear with faith is so powerful. Thank you Katie for sharing this interview and hosting the link-up today 🙂
Hi Angela: You are most welcome. Glad you are encouraged. May you not be afraid to take the next step as He leads. You are loved. 🙂
Thanks for sharing Kelly’s interview and for hosting each week. New Year blessings to both of you!
Thank you Donna! Happy New Year to you as well. May it be full of hope!