Question of the Week #5 + Giveaway!

Hi, friends! We took a short little “break” from our Question of the Week series to bring you some really important content we wanted to share with you. If you missed it, here’s a link to catch up.

Summer is almost over and I am dreaming of the cooler fall temperatures that are “right” around the corner, aren’t you? It’s one of my favorite seasons to anticipate since summers in the South are unbearably hot and humid. I don’t think I would’ve survived in the 1800s without air conditioning! :)

The question for this week was always a hard one as my mostly single friends and I were often in some sort of transition; a new job, moving to a new city, getting married, etc. There were always lingering fears for us as we moved through our 20s.

For most of us, even those of us not in school anymore, the beginning of a new school year is a time for new starts. Many of us think of it as a “new year” and maybe for some of you it’s already started. My sister’s two girls started school this week! Isn’t that crazy?  

So as we are all finishing this summer and anticipating the new fall season, we would love to hear your answers to this question: what is one fear that you have about the coming year. Maybe you are about to become an Empty Nester or your first little one is off to Kindergarten… transitions like these are hard and challenging but I’ve seen in my own life that change can also produce so much growth.

Since this might be a more vulnerable question, we would love to do a giveaway for all who participate! We have this cute new tote, boasting bold summer stripes, that is a reminder to you and a declaration to others that Jesus is “the anchor of our souls.” No matter what this year hold, He is with us friends! Giveaway ends and THREE winners will be announced on Monday, 7.30. ***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***

Thank you to everyone who answering the question and participated in our giveaway! We will be doing these once a month so please be sure to subscribe to our blog if you haven’t already! :) Winners of the new Anchor Tote are:
Bella Dao
HollyVeihman
Kate Keller

PS — If you’ve enjoyed these questions this summer (and I hope that you have!) you can get the full set of 12 Untie Your Story Friends questions for only $2! The sale ends Tuesday so be sure to head to the shop page to see the full list of products on sale. 

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45 thoughts on “Question of the Week #5 + Giveaway!”

  1. Our family ( 2 boys age 7 & 5) will be moving to Italy in a few months to reach out to North African refugees coming to the shores of Sciliy. Our team is made up of American families from different Mission agencies. I’m very excited about the opportunity, but the questions abound. Will I find another wife to connect with? Will the kids be more adventurous, or complain about…food, cultural differences? How will we handle different expectations being from various ministries? The list goes on! The Cross Cultural training we received mentioned to ” Put your stake in the ground” to remember why you have come. Good advice for me!

    1. Barbara Rainey

      Kate — Wow!! What an exciting opportunity. We will be praying for you and your family as you make this HUGE transition. All of those questions are 100% valid and I would likely feel the same thing. He will provide, it just might look different or take longer than we would hope or expect. :) Your name was selected as one of the winners so I am excited for you to be able to take your Tote across the “pond” with you as a daily reminder that your He is the anchor of your heart and soul!

  2. My fear is my husband has wandered away from the Lord because of something that someone said to him in church or didn’t get the help from some people and he has stopped going to church every Sunday(goes on the holidays) and afraid I won’t see him in heaven and my heart breaks, I can understand when he’s in pain because of his arthritis and stage 4 carpal tunnel pain. He loves helping with the weekend to remember and talking to people, going to promote the weekend to remember. He just won’t tell me why he’s not going to church. Our new pastor is going to take him out for coffee and see what happened and see where he stands in a relationship with God. We attended 2 -3 years in doing projects and all before helping. I pray for him everyday.

  3. Hebrews reminds us that God promised to bless us and encourage us. Jesus Christ is to be our anchor.

    It is difficult with so many fear inducing distractions: workplace issues, children leaving home, illness, financial struggles, and marital strife, to remember Jesus is our High Hope.

    In my life, This coming year seems daunting because I know my commitments will easily become too overwhelming. I need to keep in mind that Jesus Christ is my anchor. If I listen to the Holy Spirit, He will guide me. Can I do this, and stop relying on my own self doubt and fear? Only through Jesus Christ are we fully secure. Everything else is a distraction amplified by fear, and I am too weak to handle them on my own. I fear being secure enough in my relationship with the Lord to recognize the peace inherent in His promise.

  4. My biggest fear for the coming year is just becoming a new “grandma!” All new territory, but I’ve been practicing with babysitting our nieces 💕for years. A fostering-to-adopt situation hopefully…will she like me? Can we bond together well? Will I have the words to speak she needs to hear? As always it comes down to Proverbs 3:5&6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart 💗 and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he WILL direct your path. So thankful I won’t be alone!

  5. My mother and stepfather are aging and I fear the changes that may lie ahead. Also I changed career paths recently and I have so much to learn.

  6. My greatest fear is that my children, three of them who are not walking with the LORD but received Him as older children, will miss out on the joy of following Him now, and then, one day, heaven. I pray every day for them! O, Father, remind them of who You are and who they are because of You! And I include in this prayer the children of all the mothers represented on this blog who, with all their hearts, crave for their children to belong to You. Father, we thank Thee in advance for the work You will do in our children’s lives! In Your majestic name we pray, amen. Thank You for hearing our cries. We adore You, our sovereign King.

  7. I am afraid that my husband is going to divorce me. He has threatened to since we first got married. I keep trying to please him, but it never seems to be enough. I don’t want to break the vow I made to him and God. I pray that God would soften his heart and take these thoughts away from him permanently.

  8. This last year has been extremely trying and emotionally exhausting for my family and my marriage was tested during the stress of taking over care giving for my mother in law as her dementia progresses to her requiring 24hr care. The constant feuding between my in law siblings, myself & my husband over moms care needs and their being unhappy that my mother in law gave my husband durable power of attorney hit its low in December when he made the hard the decision to sell their family home to ensure finances were available for moms future care needs. We placed mom in a memory care facility in December, the house sold in mid-February and mom passed away on July 5th. She was a strong woman of faith and I’m comforted knowing she’s rejoicing in Heaven and reunited with my father in law who passed away in 2012. As the fall approaches my husband should be continuing on with studies for his degree in youth ministry but wrapping up moms financial affairs may take a few months into the school year to complete so we’re praying for guidance & direction in this area, while also trusting he will find a job as he lost his job in March. Our nest will be emptying as our oldest (28yrs)son is getting married on New Years Eve, his twin sister moved to Seattle last Fall, our middle son (26yrs) moved to D.C. last summer and will be starting graduate school this fall and our youngest daughter (23yrs) is ready to launch into her film school studies and we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary on 26th. My family has so much hurt & pain to overcome from the events of this year but I see Gods mighty hand moving as my husband & his siblings are working together to improve their relationship issues and I stand by husband daily knowing GOD healing our marriage and that this stormy season of life is coming to an end. I’d rather go through a storm with my faith in knowing God will sustain me, than to go through a storm and not know God. I have no idea what the fall will hold for us but confident that God has already put us on the path to His plan for me, my marriage and my family. I have plenty of concerns about our household but God has all the answers! I am blessed that 3 of our 4 children are Christ followers and I know my lost one will find her way back, my son & his fiancé will enter into marriage with their purity and I’m so excited to finally focus on spending time with husband as our nest empties this year, next year turn 50yrs old and I’m going to finally invest in myself and start a blog.

  9. I am an elementary school teacher. It is always scary going back to work after summer vacation. How will I handle the new kids, all the planning and paperwork and take care of my husband, kids and home too? It can be overwhelming.

  10. I am an elementary school teacher. It is always scary going back to work after summer vacation. How will I handle the new kids, all the planning and paperwork and take care of my husband, kids and home too? It can be overwhelming.

  11. I need to have neck surgery on my cervical spine and I’ve been to 4 different surgeons and need to make a final decision. I have 2 teenage girls and my husband is so busy with new challenges at work. There is so much going on and I fear the outcome of sugery. I pray God will lead me in the right direction 🙏🏻

  12. I fear Trump. Particularly that he will succeed in getting rid of my health insurance and I won’the be able to finish my treatment. But God was good enough to give me what I needed when I needed it and I have to believe He won’t take it away too soon.

  13. My three youngest children are getting their driver’s license, in the next few weeks. I know it is part of maturing and becoming more independent, but it certainly keeps this momma feeling fearful. I know God is in control and has a perfect plan for each of my children!!! It’s not like I haven’t already been through this, with my three older children, but then again, worry never makes sense. They are growing up so fast and the thought of not shuttling them around is hard, especially in this crazy world!

  14. Fear of the future, more for what it may NOT hold. I am having to sell my home of 12 years. I must find a rental for 2 of my sons and I. I fear my home may not sell, before I run out of money or will not sell for what I need. Then my fear about where we will end up. There are additional concerns continuing after that, career & financially based. I desire to be like the Psalm 31:25 woman … able to ‘laugh without fear the future’.

  15. I teach school, and I am teaching a new grade level this year. My fear is that I will not meet the needs of all these sweet children starting school for the first time.

  16. A pastor counselor told me in the early 1980s that to hold on to two anchors for my soul: God is good and He is in control! These have kept fear at bay for me MANY times in my almost 70 years. I turn 70 on December 31 this year.
    If I have a fear it would be that I would not finish well and displease the Lord.

  17. I’m about to experience empty nest times 4. My mom just recently moved out into her own place after living with us for 10 months after the flooding our city had last August. My eldest daughter moved away last month to Nashville to another job. My middle daughter is getting ready to live in France for a year to teach English there. And my youngest daughter will be going back to college 3 hours away in the fall. I’m going to miss them all, but my ‘fear’ is having to live with my husband alone again for the first time in 28 years.

  18. My husband and I are looking into buying a fixer-upper. We have nine children and are trying to gain more space without having to get a loan. We want to hear from the Holy Spirit and not act on our own initiative. I guess I fear missing His will.

  19. The fear I have for the coming year is that we will never be able to leave my mother’s house. We need to leave her home because she is verbally abusive to me and my family everyday. She gives everything to my brother who does nothing for her except put her down. We are kind to her, pay her every month and do things for her without being asked.

  20. My fear is about embarking on a new business/blog for mom’s in recovery. I’m scared of balancing the work, my 2 yr old and 1 yr old, and maintaining my own recovery. My sobriety, God, husband and children all come first but I also need this blog for myself and to be of service to other mom’s.

    1. Laura Rainey Dries

      Holly — We are excited for you about your new business/blog for women in recovery! What a calling and a beautiful way to serve women through your healing and experience. We will be praying for you in this new journey. AND as a sweet reminder during this new season for you, your name was randomly selected as one of the three winners of the Anchor Tote. We will e-mail you for your address!

  21. I’m fearful all the changes I’m making to improve our marriage won’t make a difference in the long run. I have listened to podcasts, read countless books, worked on my relationship with God, become more forgiving and humble myself almost daily asking for his forgiveness. Praying God holds us together….

    1. God is able if we are faithful to spend time in His presence, from Him is our refuge, strength, and wisdom. Our family is a testimony for His glory. Many years of tiny steps but it’s so worth it to believe that we can leave a godly heritage. To Him be the praise forever.
      “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
      ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

      1. Laura Rainey Dries

        Bella — thank you so much for encouraging Becky & Christina! I included your name in the giveaway and your name was randomly selected as one of the three winners! :) Please e-mail us your address so we can send you your tote.

  22. I just found out my dad has prostate cancer and it’s a bit worse than 1st thought . My youngest is starting 4 th grade and he’s had some rough years so hoping this will be a good year.

  23. My biggest fear in this season is being a single mother. Long story short, my husband left our family for another another. Would cherish your prayers for a restored marriage and his recommitment to the Lord, as well as the other woman’s salvation. It’s been so sad and heartbreaking as I know this is not God’s plan for love and marriage. He is supposedly going to file for divorce in the near future.

    1. God is able. My friends were divorced 3 years and have been remarried to each other again 5 years now. Praying for you.
      “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
      ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    2. Christina,with God all things are possible. I am blessed by you praying for the woman’s salvation. You are living God’s word by praying for those that have hurt you. Please continue to walk in faith. I will be praying for you and your family.

  24. I have walked through a very difficult past few years with extended family issues & health concerns, but this past year was an exceptionally difficult one in regards to my marriage. Although, Praise the Lord, we are being victorious over Satan. My heart trembles with insecurity and fears at times surrounding all of it. I know I cannot put my full trust in anything in this sinful old world but must lay it all down at Jesus feet & walk by faith. I pray this also for all the commentors above me. It is humbling to read of others fears. God Bless everyone and their situations!

  25. I am 54 yrs old and my husband was diagnosis with lymphoma cancer last August. Stage 3. It is in remission since December 2016. But the fear of it coming back is always there.
    Holding Gods promises close to my heart; Isaiah 41:10
    So do not fear,for I am with you; do not be dismayed,for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
    Proverbs 3:5-7
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes ; fear the LORD ,and turn away from evil.

  26. We have been married for 22 years and have a 18 month old. We are so grateful for our little miracle after facing years of infertility. He is the best thing in life by far. We are struggling financially and with the changes that our marriage is going through with a baby. I am afraid that the stress and hurt will effect our son and our love for one another.

  27. One concern is that my daughter and her boyfriend are moving way too fast in their relationship. We really like him. A LOT! Just don’t want them making similar mistakes as we have by rushing into marriage without truly knowing each other.

  28. My biggest fear is that I will fail as a mother and a nana. I am going through a divorce and have moved into a rental home with my adopted granddaughter, Montana who is 6, my granddaughter Macy who is 7, that has been pretty much abandoned and my 30 year old daughter who is expecting a new baby girl any day. I am trying to raise these two little girls as best I can with the help of God and trying to help my 30 year old get back on her feet. I am scared to death!!

  29. In our own human fragility we may be fearful at one point in our lives. Fearful because we sometimes lean to our own understanding. Most times we think of how big the problem is rather than looking to the greatest problem solver. There’s no need to be hard on oneself as long as we know who we are in Christ and to claim the precious promises he has given us. As a parent I am fearful t for the protection of my children for the coming school year. But, one thing I do know is that God will guide them where ever they go and that if I as a parent train them up in the way they should go He who is faithful will bring back to their remembrance His promises in their time of need. For He says to each one of us..”Fear not my child”.

  30. My husband was diagnosed with Myleodysplastic Syndrome (a bone marrow disease) on June 19th. He is waiting for a stem cell transplant with a 50/50 chance of success. Without the transplant he has a prognosis of 6-8 months. My fear is that he won’t be here to celebrate birthdays, holidays, family gatherings and growing old together with me.

  31. We have 9 children, one being adopted. I am 53 and we have been asked to raise my adopted daughter’s little brother, who is 1. Having multiple health issues and homeschooling 5, I am scared I won’t be able to do this, though I believe it is the right thing to do.

  32. I am 46 years old and my only daughter is starting high school and my son will be headed back to his 2nd year in college. But that by no means is my greatest fear. My youngest sister is battling stage 4 breast cancer this year and had a double mastectomy on June 27. All the cancer has still not been removed. She still has some affected lymph nodes under her clavicle and with 3 young kids, my hope and fear is that God will heal her completely. My family has also went through the loss of my Dad. He had a massive heart attack on May 4th and died at the feet of my Mom. My Mom has yet to have the chance to grieve with moving into my sister’s home to help her family during her difficult time. My husband and I will be married for 20 years this October and we have been struggling for the past 7 years. I have yet to understand why he thinks he doesn’t have to be responsible. I am tired of raising my family on my own. SO my true fear for this next year is that I will have to face another heart breaking year. I feel I don’t have the strength any longer to be the wife/mother/sister/daughter that God calls me to be.

  33. My beautiful and talented daughter is 33. I pray everyday for a Christian husband for her. Thy will be done, Lord. But my fear is that she will not
    have a husband. I guess we will all survive, but somehow I can’t stop praying for GOD to send her one. She is a lovely Christian young lady.

  34. Chelsea dudley

    I don’t know where we will live. We’ve been struggling with rent and bills. I don’t know what will happen to us.

  35. My daughter is entering Middle School and experiencing a lot of transitions all at once. I’m fearing these changes and the ripple effects it has on our household, schedule, friend groups and more.

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