“When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It.” Yogi Berra. On Tuesday, I had to decide whether to say, “No,” or to accept to step into a 4-seater helicopter! Unbeknownst to me, Jody Davis had planned a surprise helicopter fly-along with the Pasadena Police Department for me. A thick blanket of fear enveloped my whole body. My knees almost gave in.  My heart thumped as if it would break through my rib cage.  I felt a cold shiver down my back. My palms were sweaty, revealing a little shake. Should I go on the ride or not? The comfort, safety and familiarity of the ground was appealing.  To fly or not to fly? Was the question. In an instant, I held the bull by the horns.  I faced my fear of heights head on.  Fear was not going to hold me back from this experience of a lifetime. I conquered my fear of heights and of flying.

Jody and I, our pilot, and a co-pilot strapped ourselves in.  My mind raced through all the unjustified “ifs” of fear. What if we do not make it back?  What if the winds are too heavy? What if there is a mechanical problem?  What if …?  I shot down each thought of fear with the weapons of faith.  I refused to listen to the whispers of the devil. I told myself, “God’s got this!” Suddenly a wave of courage swept over me. I muttered under my breath, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

The helicopter took smoothly and gently. I saw the ground gracefully disappear under my feet. In the past, I would not have had the courage to look outside. But, not today.  I confidently took out my camera and began to record the video of our flight. We headed south, flying over the immaculately manicured Brookside Golf Course.  I marveled at its beauty, from this vantage point. The majestic San Gabriel Mountains loomed behind us.  We soon passed over the grandiose structure of the Rose Bowl.  This bird’s eye view of the city of Pasadena was magnificent. We flew over the cities of Pasadena, Al Hambra, Arcadia, Monrovia, and Glendora.

This helicopter fly-along is one of the best activities I have ever undertaken.  Fear was going to rob me of this privilege.  I am glad I did not let fear keep me from this fabulous experience of a lifetime. I am glad I did not let fear cripple me.  Although the flight took me out of my comfort zone, I absolutely enjoyed it. Although the flight tested my faith, I passed.  Although my fear felt big, my God is bigger than any fear. Fear gives a false sense of security. Security can be fleeting. It can quickly dissipate like the morning dew.

• Of what are you afraid?
• What keeps you from attaining your goals?
• Are you afraid of public speaking?
• Are you afraid of teaching, witnessing, leading, or singing?
• Whatever your fear is, bring it to God.
• Ask God for strength and grace to help you face your fears.
• You can do it.
• You can overcome your fear.
• Do not let fear hold you back.
• Go on, live your life in style.
• Trust in God. He’s got this.

2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”