The fear of new


Hey y’all.

So... I’ve decided to try out this blog thing. And to be brutally honest—IT. IS. TERRIFYING.

God keeps nudging me to do this. I keep coming up with excuses for why I can't. He nudges harder. So, here I am. Stubborn... but finally listening.

Isn’t that how it usually goes? Stubborn, but finally listening?

If I truly trust that God knows what’s best for me, and that He won’t lead me astray, then why not just take that step in faith? It sounds so easy—but fear has a funny way of creeping in and making that first step feel like stepping off a cliff onto open concrete with no net below.

Why am I afraid to write a blog?

Whew, where do I begin?

  1. I’m opening myself up to be vulnerable and transparent.
  2. That leaves me open to criticism and judgment.
  3. I’m scared of failing.

Just to name a few. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s felt these things—they can be excruciatingly overwhelming. It’s easier to stay in my little bubble where I can’t get hurt or humiliated. But God is pulling me out of that comfort zone.

I’m a photographer. I taught myself photography because it’s always been a passion of mine. When I was first learning, I connected with a friend and fellow photographer in Jackson, MS. He and his wife taught me so much in those early days. I leaned on their mentorship and encouragement, and I’m forever grateful for them.

When photography was just a hobby—capturing moments at my boys’ school activities—it was fun and fearless. But when I decided to do it professionally, everything changed. Suddenly, the fear crept in:

  • What if I fail?
  • What if they don’t like their pictures?
  • How can I take someone’s money if it’s not perfect?

Ah, there it is: Perfection.

No matter how many seminars I attend or how hard I try, I’ll never be perfect. I had to stop putting that pressure on myself. I had to learn to just be me—to take pictures in the style that’s uniquely Holli. And not compare myself to anyone else.

God put the passion for photography in my heart, and I love it. Then He asked me to take that passion to the next level. That step was terrifying—but I’m so thankful I took it.

So here I am again, scared but stepping out.

Writing.

Sharing.

Trusting.

God will equip you with what you need when you trust Him enough to go where He’s leading you. It might be hard. It will probably be scary.

But it will definitely be worth it.


Love y’all,

Holli