I’m once again honored to have another one of my critique partners as our guest this week. I’ve known Angela for a number of years, and you’re going to love her encouraging words, so needed right now. Before we get to that, though, here’s a little about her book, Mail-Order Standoff.

Could two people be less suited than an English gentleman and a western gal who is used to giving the orders? From the wild Montana Territory to the refined Kentucky horse farms, can Timothy prove worthy of Tara’s heart?

Sounds like a fun read, but I know it deals with a serious subject. What can you tell us about how this story applies to our lives today?

Sometimes our fears get the best of us. With store shelves in many areas looking bare, people are triggered by social behavior to grab what they can without thought to whether they’re acting wisely or rashly. It’s the phenomenon of herd mentality. But we don’t have to live in that fear. God has given us wisdom, creativity, and understanding. He’s given us past experiences as a foundation to show us that He is able to lead us through the “valley of the shadow of death” so that we “will fear no evil.”

Every human fears the unknown. That’s the human condition when faced with a threat we can’t control. Fear is normal. But how we react to fear, whether we choose to face and conquer it or panic and allow what we fear to conquer us, that’s the challenge when we see everyone else clearing out stores and hoarding.

As I wrote a fictional character, Tara, into my story (Right On Time in The Mail-Order Bride Collection) I had no idea the Coronavirus would sweep around the globe. She’s not dealing with a disease. But Tara has to deal with some emotional and physical fears in her life as well as emotional manipulation by others who have something to gain. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I’ll simply share that like us in the real world, Tara has the opportunity to conquer her fear and change her life.

The odd thing that happens in the real world is that we often have to face that fear more than once, and sometimes in different ways. Taking Tara through a similar scenario, throwing that fear at her from different angles gave me the chance to explore how I cope with fear. I learned a few things about myself and how to handle fear while writing this courageous leading lady. Maybe these concepts will help you, too.

10 Tips to Conquer Fear:

1. Name the fear. Defined fear helps realistic action plans to form.
2. Talk to someone who is steady and balanced.
3. Ask the experience of the person giving advice, then only listen to those whose advice is worthy of your ear.
4. Get educated about the fear. Knowledge is an amazing weapon against fear.
5. Beware of your emotions, emotional manipulation by others, and emotive words meant to instigate thoughtless action. Think: What reward mental, physical, relational, financial will the person get out of emotionally manipulating me?
6. Avoid frivolous knee-jerk reactions. Knee-jerk reactions are most often our worst memories and mistakes.
7. Watch and analyze what’s happening around you. Just because someone else is panicking doesn’t mean it’s an emergency for you.
8. Choose actions with logical planning, not emotion. (Keyword: choose.)
9. Think on things that are lovely, of value, and positive. (Dwelling on fearful thoughts grows that fear exponentially.)
10. Remember that great discoveries and heroes are made when we accept the problem we face as a challenge to solve.

Here’s a bonus tip. Ask God if He is calling you to a higher purpose. What we do when we’re put into unbelievable situations can change the world. Heroes are not born. They’re called by God into incredible circumstances, and they do one thing differently than others—they answer the call to greatness.

A blessing over you:

May the Lord help you to call on Him for wisdom and understanding. Rather than chaotic panic, to help you respond with calm and deliberate choices. May you hear and answer God’s call on your life now or in the future.

I’ve written another book called Gems of Wisdom: The treasure of experience. It’s all about gaining courage, confidence, and candor. Necessary skills for us these days. Please enter the drawing for the non-fiction book by following Liz Tolsma’s instructions.

Click here to purchase your copy of The Mail-Order Standoff from your favorite store and read more of this story: https://angelabreidenbach.com/books/mail-order-standoff/

(Or copy/paste link into your browser)

Angela Breidenbach is a radio personality, bestselling author, and a professional genealogist. She’s the president of the Christian Authors Network supporting the careers of Christian authors. Angela has earned certifications in coaching, speaking, the Pauline Letters, business and financial management, and more. She was recently awarded Outstanding Broadcasting from the Daughters of the American Revolution for producing and hosting a documentary called, Daughters of the American Revolution: A Patriotic Education at state, Pacific NW Regional, and national levels. 5×5 Productions manages Angela’s screenwriting to Hollywood while Tamela Hancock Murray represents Angela’s books. Hobbies? Writer has trained her Muse, a fe-lion, to shake hands, roll over, and jump through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angie can also. All social media AngBreidenbach, http://AngelaBreidenbach.com

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest: @AngBreidenbach

As Angela said, she’s giving away a print copy of her book, Gems of Wisdom, to someone in the US. Enter by following the instructions below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much for joining us, Angela!