what to do when you’re scared spitless

Written by Sandra Heska King

PRAY EDITOR "Once a nurse, always a nurse," they say. But now I spend my days with laptop and camera in tow as I look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. I'm a Michigan gal, mom to two, grandmom to two, and wife to one. My husband and I live on 50 acres in the same 150-plus-year-old farmhouse he grew up in. I love this quote by Mary Oliver, "Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." That's how I want to live. And I'm still learning how to be. Still.

November 19, 2013

Sandra’s note: Susan Etole sees deeper than many I know. She’s uncapped her pen today to share just a few words with us about the power of scripture when we’re facing dragons.

Susan writes:

I’m apprehensive going into this procedure. Scared spitless would be a more truthful description but somehow it doesn’t seem appropriate to admit that. Apprehension seems acceptable, fear doesn’t.

Before my son retires to his room for the night, I ask him to read some scripture. He chooses Psalm 139. As the words begin to tumble through my heart the fear begins to ebb and peace begins to flow.

He knew me before I was formed; He knows my rising up and my sitting down; wherever I am, He is; He knows my anxious thoughts; He is with me.

Morning dawns, and as my son enters the room I greet him with the words, “Let’s go slay some dragons,” and he responds with “Be strong and courageous for I am with you.”

Together we head out into the freezing autumn air and stroll the 8 blocks to the Gonda Building.

All will be well.

View from the 14th floor of the Gonda Building, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

View from the 14th floor of the Gonda Building, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

 

If you’d like to know more about Susan–and you should, check out these links:

She’s Got Miksang: Interview with Photographer Susan Etole at The High Calling

Textures of Text: Just… a Moment at Sandra Heska King

Faithful (Susan’s story in her own words) at Jennifer Dukes Lee

Susan’s website: Just… A Moment

What do you do when you’re scared spitless? 

22 Comments

  1. HisFireFly

    prayers ascending, knowing you are in the very best of hands

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      Thank you for that. Everything went well and I am slowly improving.

      Reply
  2. Sheila Seiler Lagrand

    Always. Even to the end of the age. Sending love and prayers, Susan.

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      That love and those prayers mean so much.

      Reply
  3. Michelle DeRusha

    Thank you for sharing a sliver of your story, Susan. I love your faith (and your son’s too). Be well, friend.

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      There is such blessing in having a son who loves the Lord. I think you are one of those moms who enjoys that with your sons.

      Reply
  4. Sandra Heska King

    Thank you, Susan, for stopping by today and for reminding us how scripture can speak to those scared spitless times… how we can turn scripture into prayer.

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      Thank you, Sandra, for the opportunity. It always amazes me how the word becomes living and imparts peace.

      Reply
  5. Patricia W Hunter

    You mentor me so, Susan. It’s an honor and privilege to know and pray for you…and as I head into the next surgery in a couple of weeks, I will be taking these words of yours with me. Thank you, sweet Susan.

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      Prayers for you as you head into another one, Patricia. I know the “being still” time after surgery is difficult. May the Lord be your strength.

      Reply
  6. Lynn Kreizl

    Susan, I knew your name as you stopped by my photography blog recently after I left a comment on your blog because I had seen a photograph of yours that just touched my soul in its beauty and simplicity. Having read your story, I can understand the depth and beauty in that photograph. Now, I also know the woman who the Lord resides in and pours HIS love out to others through your photography, your heart, your writing. What a blessing you are. HE is right there with you now and HE is hearing all our prayers for you. You are in the BEST hands. Hands of LOVE.

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      In the palm of His hand … the very best place to be. I so appreciate your comment here.

      Reply
  7. DeanneMoore

    I have you in my heart, sweet Susan…yes, I do.

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      And you and your father are in mine. May the Lord strengthen you both through these difficult days.

      Reply
  8. pastordt

    What a sweet surprise to find you here, Susan. So thankful that those words from the Word spoke peace to your heart and that the procedure is over and you are recovering. Love to you this Tuesday morning.

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      It is a fun place to be. I appreciate your prayers these past weeks.

      Reply
  9. Sharon

    We are only effective in slaying dragons when we are fully suited up in armor. Fortunately, God has given us the best! Blessings to you, Susan, and to your knight-in-shining-armor son. Together with the Lord, you guys are formidable fear fighters.

    Praying that all will be well.

    GOD BLESS.

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      That’s so very true, Sharon. And His armor is the best. He is always faithful to be with us.

      Reply
  10. lindalouise

    I’m so thankful for the comfort of His word Susie. Thankful that all went well. Thankful that He holds our days in His hands. This is beautiful.

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      Your prayers helped immensely. The word is alive and active for sure.

      Reply
  11. soulstops

    Dear Susan,
    Thank you for sharing part of your story of continual faith and trust…praying for you and your son as you slay dragons…sending you a hug and prayers.

    Reply
    • S.Etole

      Gladly receiving that hug and prayers. Thank you.

      Reply

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what to do when you’re scared spitless

by Sandra Heska King time to read: 1 min
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