Overcoming Fear by Leslie L. McKee

Leslie L. McKee, Author & Editor

Overcoming Fear

Guest Post by Leslie L. McKee

Thanks so much for the invite, Carrie. I’m happy to be here.

In January 2016, I toyed with the idea of writing some devotionals about something I’m quite familiar with: worry — and learning to let go and let God. I chose some verses, but that was as far as it went … until September.

I received an email which I knew was God sent: the opportunity to be part of a devotional book on topics near and dear to my heart: stress, fear, worry … and letting go of them. I knew I needed to be a part of this, especially as the title was the same title I toyed with back in January. The problem was I had never written a devotional in my life. Sure, I have read many of them. I’ve written poetry since I was a child and book reviews for more years than I can count. I’m also an editor. This project, while exciting to consider, was totally outside of my comfort zone. However, I felt God telling me to take the leap of faith and just start writing. After all, I had a lifetime of experience to choose from, and I had numerous meaningful verses already chosen.

Since the focus of your blog is on overcoming with God, I decided to discuss the devotion I wrote based on a situation which really put my faith to the test. It was one of the scariest times I’ve ever faced in my life.

In February 2016, my husband underwent a major surgery. The procedure itself went well, but there were complications. His hospital stay grew from a proposed three days to ten. Our family does not live nearby, so I had to rely on virtual support. I’ve been a Christ follower for years, so I knew God was with us in that hospital, too. He showed up in many ways — phone calls, text messages, songs, the hospital staff, and even the birds in the hospital aviary. All of these things provided me with reminders that I didn’t need to stress or worry because God was watching over us.

Despite the events occurring around me, I could feel an unexpected sense of peace. In that hospital, I was able to follow the words of Lamentations 3:57, which states, “You drew near on the day I called on You, and said, ‘Do not fear!’” I made the choice to choose faith over fear and overcome with God’s help. Did it automatically stop all my worries and “what if” thoughts? No. But I was no longer succumbing to my fears.

Revelation 3:21 states, “…to him who overcomes…” The phrasing here comes from the Greek word nikao. God wants us to be — in fact, He calls us to be —hupernikaos, which means “more than overcomers.” The great news is that, no matter the circumstance, it is possible to overcome with God’s help.

I’m so honored to have my devotions included in Just Breathe 

Bio: Leslie L. McKee is a professional editor and proofreader. Her editing career began as a reviewer for RT Bookreviews Magazine, where she still reviews books of various genres. She also reviews for Publishers Weekly. Books have always been a significant part of her life. She has been professionally editing and proofreading manuscripts for authors and publishing houses since 2012. Leslie’s lifelong love of reading and learning, in addition to reviewing and teaching, led her into the publishing industry. Editing and reviewing are not merely jobs. They are her passions. Leslie is an avid reader with an eye for detail, making her a perfect match for this career. 

Leslie is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and has served as a judge for their First Impression, Carol Awards, and Genesis contests. She is also a member of The Christian PEN.  Some of her devotionals were recently accepted by Ellie Claire to be part of a compilation which will be released in July 2017.

In her spare time, Leslie enjoys reading, playing piano, crocheting, spending time with family and friends (and her turtle!), and rooting for the NY Giants. 

You can find out more about her editorial and proofreading services on her website: (www.lmckeeediting.wixsite.com/lmckeeediting ). You can also find her on her blog (www.lmckeeediting.blogspot.com ) or on Twitter (@lmckeeediting).

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of Just Breathe to a reader who is willing to read and review this new devotional book (USA only.) If you don't have a blog but would like to share your review with the OWG blog, please indicate that as well.