What If Fear Is the Sign You've Been Looking For?

What if the fear you're feeling isn't a reason to stop … but a sign that what's in front of you actually matters?

In this honest, vulnerable conversation, Jackie and Christi unpack the quiet, subtle ways fear shows up when God is calling you into something meaningful. From writing books to living faithfully in the ordinary moments of everyday life, they sit with the tension between hesitation and obedience … and why fear so often walks hand-in-hand with calling.

This week on The Deep Water Show, they're exploring:

Why fear doesn't disqualify you … it invites you. The difference between waiting for clarity and avoiding obedience. How self-sabotage and distraction quietly keep us stuck. What it really means to collaborate with God. The power of small, daily yeses. And a fresh look at Mary's yes … and why it wasn't guaranteed.

If you've been waiting until you feel ready, this conversation will gently challenge that idea. And remind you that God is already with you in the middle of it.

Scripture referenced: 1 Corinthians 2:3 and John 3:21

You don't have to eliminate fear to move forward. You just have to recognize it … and respond anyway.

Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:05

Hey friend.

SPEAKER_00 0:07

Hi Jackie. How are you? It's so good to see your face. It's good to see your face. And this is another one of those occasions where if you are watching us, Christy, no one could miss the fact that you are in the most lovely pink spring all things warm weather clothing, and I am in a wool sweater. Yes.

SPEAKER_02 0:27

And it is okay, no matter the weather, we will podcast together.

SPEAKER_00 0:32

I love that. Hey, you know what else is crazy today? I am, I think I have reheated. Okay, look, I I did it on purpose, not really. I have my Easter bunny mug that coordinates with your Easter top. Okay.

SPEAKER_02 0:47

We're just meant to do this on today, God ordained day.

SPEAKER_00 0:52

We are. And you know what? I've reheated the coffee in this mug several times, which is a little embarrassing as a coffee lover, but I keep getting distracted. And you know why I'm distracted, but I don't know that the people in the world know that I've been distracted writing book number three.

SPEAKER_02 1:16

I feel like we should have some background stage audience. Like laughing and applauding, and how's that going, Jackie?

SPEAKER_01 1:26

I'm gonna be honest, I am terrified. But in the best way. Okay. Okay.

SPEAKER_00 1:43

Fear for me doesn't show up the way I think it will. It's quiet and it's subtle, and it sounds like, hmm, maybe I'll start.

SPEAKER_01 1:55

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 1:57

The natural human response. Kind of like writing a book report back in the day of our middle school, high school days, where maybe kind of waiting until you almost feel rushed and you really don't enjoy the ride of what you've learned. So keep going.

SPEAKER_00 2:17

Heard. You know, for me, it's also well, maybe I just need to wait until I have more clarity.

SPEAKER_02 2:24

Yep, been there for that. And I guess we should tell our the people that are following and listening to this podcast today that between Jackie and I, we have two books, four books, two books each, four books in animation under our belts. Yes. Um, as creative writers, yes, and authors. And we also have between in this huge circle of the two of us, huge circle of two, is a theatrical production um of a movie script that was written by one of us, which we can talk about at a different podcast, and that's fine and dandy. Um so what we're talking about today is something that we are speaking from our hearts when it comes to a divine assignment that is worth finishing. And all the details that go in the middle of that.

SPEAKER_00 3:26

Yes, and Christy, um I feel like you might have seen this a little bit as well, just on a different stage, because you yourself might be working on book three. Am I? Am I? Hmm. But I think you're a little bit ahead of me.

SPEAKER_02 3:44

And uh I don't know. You know, we say we're riding in canoes next to each other. And we're on this like huge lake. It could be an ocean, but we're still paddling together. So I think in our writing process, we might be doing the same thing for book number three.

SPEAKER_00 4:03

Yes. And there is my pregnant pause. Okay. Because I'm literally just starting to write. Okay. And your canoe isn't saying, whoa, don't even get going. Your canoe is like, whoa, stop and edit.

SPEAKER_02 4:20

Yes. Yeah. Like I think that we almost might be at the dock, but it is fear, and that's what I'm calling it.

SPEAKER_00 4:32

So you change that if that's not the right word for you. But is the fear in the editing process for you one that says, ooh, I really got to be in control here?

SPEAKER_02 4:44

Boy. Um, yes. And honestly, when God calls you, and it because our our books are faith-based. Um, and they're they come from a personal deep root of who we are, what we've experienced, up to the point where God brings us to the point and says, Hey, you know what? You're a lover of words. You should write a book. And then so having the passion and the devotion behind that, and then implementing it, it's like, um, I worked with another writer the first time I ever wrote a book called Crossing That Bridge. And that was in 2000, oh my gosh, I'm gonna date myself if I say it. So, like 2017, I think. And he said, When you write, let it just be like living waters flowing from your pen. And it was so empowering, and I've never forgotten that until you get to the editing process. Where the pen starts slowly running out of ink. And so does the energy behind it, and it's human, it's a human thing, it's not even writer's block. Everybody talks about we're past the writer's block in the editing process.

SPEAKER_01 6:02

But yes, it is it is a a terriful, like you said, terrifying of um making it perfect. Do you feel do you feel that you're somewhat exposed in this?

SPEAKER_00 6:25

I feel like I'm somewhat exposed.

SPEAKER_02 6:27

And do you mean like having it all inside and then getting it out before yourself or exposed as what is to come in the final product?

SPEAKER_00 6:40

Both, because what we're writing is asking us to tell the truth. And sometimes it's a hidden truth within us that God says share. Yes. Even if it's not like a secret or a trauma or something, it's just a truth that God has put within us. Yes. We have words. And uh John 3.21 is highlighted in my notes here. And it says, Whoever does what is true comes to the light. And so when I'm pausing before I begin to write, or you're pausing because you want the edits to be good and true, where is God bringing the light there?

SPEAKER_02 7:26

Wow, it's a very good question. I think it as much as we want to shine the light on God in everything that He calls us to do, when it involves us, I I feel like that this is maybe where the vulnerability idea comes because the the light kind of has to come back here and highlight. And I'm kind of like, I'm just the writer. Me? Little old me. Exactly, exactly. And what I am completely, completely known for is self-sabotage. Not everybody knows that until just now, which keeps me from really getting to experience God's best. And the fact that I'm very aware of that allows me to push. It allows me to push myself because God's got more for me. He's like, No, my daughter, you keep coming, keep coming this way. And so that's why when I'm when I'm trying to finish in these edits, I'm literally finding distractions. And I'm noticing that it's me that's succumbing to that. And I want God to say, well done. That's the end goal, right? That's the end goal where a project, somebody, somebody on earth says, Oh my gosh, that really spoke to me. But I know that it's for the Lord, right? And then I'm supposed to be working as though I'm working for the Lord. But then in my human flesh, here I am.

SPEAKER_01 9:09

You know what, Christy?

SPEAKER_00 9:10

I think deep water thought here that the goal isn't to get rid of the fear. The goal isn't to get rid of the noise, it's to recognize it. Because the world is noise, and the world will cast fear upon you. Gladly, it will. Gladly. And I usually you're the one that's got all the great Bible verses. I'm just gonna hijack you today. Please do. Because fear often shows up right alongside calling. And 1 Corinthians 2, verse 3 says exactly that. I came to you in weakness and fear. Wow. So maybe me pausing to start the writing because I'm like, oof, or you finding the distractions that cause you to pause in the editing. Yes. I always want to understand, so why am I afraid? Again, maybe that's not the question. Maybe it's what is the fear telling me? Okay. Because fear doesn't disqualify you. It doesn't disqualify me. Right. It's an invitation to rely on God. That's so true.

SPEAKER_02 10:36

That is so good. That was the dripe, the drop mic moment just there. We have to rely on the Lord. And I feel so many times fear loves to step in when we think we're trying to fix something. And we're kind of not capable on our own of doing that. And I keep thinking, you know, in every process that we do, in every project, in every writing, in every, in every facet of life, God is refining us. And when that happens, we conquer fear. And we have to be willing to walk through that refinement process of God, what are you doing in me? This thing that I don't want to do, this thing that I'm fearful of doing. And God's like, you know what? Your job is to walk it out and not try and figure that out. That you put it in my hands and let me fix it. Let me edit it. Let me help you conquer that fear. Because in what it really is, boom, is we are collaborating with God in every feeling that we have, in every assignment that we have, in every journey, in every trial and triumph we go through, we're literally collaborating with God if we allow that. And so why should we fear? Why should we fear when we recognize that God is truly with us on every single thing?

SPEAKER_00 12:12

Christy, I love that so much. And are you okay if I throw in something that I've never thrown in before, which is a very Catholic point of view? Yes. I love your perspective.

SPEAKER_02 12:26

I love it. I cherish it. It's it's refreshing.

SPEAKER_00 12:30

So fill it, girl. I want to share a story that our priest shared this past week. Uh and he himself could not remember the source. So I'm quoting a priest who couldn't remember the person that he was quoting. But as you were talking about collaborating, this was brought to mind, and it's such a profound collaboration. Um Mary said yes. When the Archangel Gabriel came to her and said, Hey, I've got this opportunity. My Protestant upbringing just assumed, well, of course she said yes. Because God chose Mary and God knew. So of course Mary said yes. Because she was God's perfect choice, and what else could she do or would she do? Okay. What the priest pointed out was that when when Gabriel put this opportunity in front of her, envisioned that the whole host of heaven was waiting there with bated breath. Is she gonna say no? On the edge of their seats, is she gonna say yes? Because it wasn't a given. And the reason we know that it wasn't a given is because Adam and Eve were perfect. They were perfect creatures in the perfect space of the perfect earth in the Garden of Eden. And they said no. We cannot assume a yes, even when it's divine appointment. Wow. We are all required, just like you said, Christy, we are given the opportunity to say yes and collaborate with God. We are required to make a choice.

SPEAKER_01 14:29

Yes. Wow.

SPEAKER_02 14:32

What if that collaboration? I'm just saying I know you got me all verclemed, but it's so good because this is where the speak happens. This is where the shift happens.

SPEAKER_00 14:43

What if the what if the yes isn't profound? What if it's small? What if it's just me writing one honest paragraph? Yes. Or you saying one small yes to tuning out the world for 30 minutes today. Because Mary was afraid. And the Bible tells us she was like, what the heck is this? Yes. Could you even imagine the fear and trembling of a 12 to 13 year old girl when the Archangel Gabriel's like, hey! Right. And what I want what I want to leave with our audience, and I want you and I to start there is that fear isn't a sign that you are not ready.

SPEAKER_01 15:43

Wow. Yes.

SPEAKER_00 15:46

It's the sign that this matters. Yes. That what you're doing is a calling from God. And it matters. Very good.

SPEAKER_02 15:59

I love what you said. It requires an answer. No matter how we're feeling, no matter what is on the topic or the top level of our worries, our minds, things that we know we have to walk through today.

unknown 16:17

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 16:18

Um, the accountability the accountability calls inside of us, maybe to be the best mom we could possibly be today. The most loving, generous wife and friend that we we have a choice to decide if that's who we want to be today. And it requires an answer. That, like I have chills when you said that, and it does it just makes me pause so much. This is me being very authentic and vulnerable. Because we do have a responsibility that is greater than our feelings. And if we act on it, then what? And if we don't, then what? God calls us to a higher standard. It's it's a big while for me. I think I'm gonna end up writing my book by the end of the week.

SPEAKER_00 17:21

You know what the beauty of it is now, Christy, as we're both a little teary. And I'm not quite as teary because I've already cried a lot of the oh my gosh, tears about this. The beauty of it is before and in the middle and after. Wow. God is with you and with me and with you.

SPEAKER_01 17:46

Yes. Yes.

SPEAKER_00 17:49

Hey friend.

SPEAKER_01 17:51

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 17:53

I'm so grateful we get to do live together. Yeah, me too. Okay, off to editing and writing. Okay.

SPEAKER_01 18:01

Bye for now. Bye bye.