As a particular family were helping one another with dinner preparations, the mother asked the youngest to go into the poorly lit pantry for a can of soup. He said, "I'm afraid of the dark!". His mother reassured him that Jesus is always with him and would be with him even in the pantry. The little boy wanted to be so brave and overcome his fear. So with head held high, steps very slow and calculated on his journey to the pantry, he grasped the handle with all his might, threw open the door and yelled in "Jesus, can you please hand me a can of soup?!".

Oh, what a precious (and true) story about trying with all your heart to overcome your fears and be confident. There are many times when I have experienced something that did not go well, I lacked confidence to approach a difficult situation, I anticipated a certain outcome that turned ou to be just the opposite, and have been embarrassed all too often.

You know what though? I do have more resolve and assurance because of those unpleasant occurrences. I want to encourage you that when you are in a particular circumstance that creates some uncertainty, (like a difficult confrontation when you you've noted a violation by someone who will not welcome your justified critique) don't immediately bolt or shy away from doing the right thing, take it on and remember, you're really never alone. There are some great resources all around you. Call out, even if you can't walk "into the pantry", you can at least holler for help!