It takes bravery to follow Jesus

I’ve been struggling with an unseen force in an area of my life for nearly two years. Every time I show up, it seems as if I have some scarlet letter emblazoned on my chest. I can’t figure it out. I’ve blamed it on a bunch of different things. I’ve soul searched and asked what am I doing wrong. I’m a likeable person. I like most people. I am open to all sorts of people. I am quiet unless you talk to me – that’s the “polite Norwegian” in me. I do realize that sometime people take that for snobbery but I tried the best I could. However, when the welcome mat is not out and an invisible sign says STAY OUT… you tend to just withdraw further into yourself. I’ve realized that I appear to have a chip on my shoulder at times. And I do, at times. It’s been a painful experience. It’s brought up all my insecurities and self-doubts. I’ve found myself drinking at the well of self-doubts the last ...