I’m not sure what it is about seeing a snake. I lose all sense of proper reasoning and everything around me suddenly looks like a snake. Branches, vines, rakes, pipes, and ropes catch my attention, making me jump and walk faster. Every sound, every shuffle, every rattle makes me keenly aware of the reality that there could be snake anywhere, lying in wait, ready to strike.

Living in the woods, I have been blessed to only see snakes occasionally, but this week alone there have been two by my house, where we walk, and I’m spooked. Thankfully, my dad was here one night and took care of the poisonous one. The nonvenomous fellow is still around, though, since he was too fast for us to follow and find. I’m fighting the urge to mow everyday and I’m not going to pretend I’m brave-there is a bush hook on my porch I carry with me every time I go outside.

What is it about fear? Fear can make us question everything we think is solid. It sneaks in there, holds us hostage, and manipulates our thoughts and emotions like nothing else. I’m not sure how I’m going to face my snake fear this week, but I do know I dislike the power these creepy crawlies are having over my mindset.

How about you? Are there any fears that are controlling you this week? Crippling you? Making you totally redirect your steps and second guess every decision? I don’t know what it’s going to take, but let’s get brave and work on confronting those snakes. There’s no room for fear when we are striving for victory.