Life is full of challenges. Some seem overwhelming, others just tough enough to make you doubt your strength. But no matter how hard the road gets, one thing can carry us through: faith. In her influential book Rising From The Ashes, Phyllis Turner Hudson reveals the deep struggles she faced throughout her life and how she found peace by holding on to her faith. Her story is one of resilience, a journey from fear to faith, and it can inspire anyone who’s felt trapped by anxiety.

Faith over fear isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a way of life. It’s the belief that, no matter how much fear may try to take hold of us, our trust in God can set us free. For Phyllis, her battle with fear began in childhood and continued into adulthood. But over time, she realized that true peace comes not from avoiding fear, but from facing it head-on with faith.

Understanding the Grip of Fear

Phyllis’s life, particularly her childhood, was marked by struggle. Growing up in a large family with limited resources, she faced constant challenges. But it wasn’t just the lack of material things that weighed on her—there was also the invisible weight of fear. Fear of not being good enough, fear of failure, fear of losing loved ones, and perhaps most devastatingly, the fear of being controlled by anxiety.

It’s easy to feel trapped when fear takes control. Whether it’s from a traumatic event, ongoing struggles, or just the weight of daily worries, fear has a way of sneaking into our hearts and minds. It can cause physical and emotional pain, making us feel like we are constantly battling an enemy we can’t see. But the truth is, we don’t have to face fear alone.

Phyllis found that as she grew in her faith, the scripture in 2 Timothy 1:7 became a foundation for overcoming her fears. It says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” This powerful verse reminds us that fear doesn’t come from God. When we feel afraid, it’s not a reflection of who we are or the strength we have within us—it’s simply a distortion of the mind that can be healed through faith.

The Struggle with Anxiety and Mental Health

Fear, if left unchecked, can spiral into anxiety, and anxiety can easily become a constant companion. Phyllis shares how, during various points in her life, she faced depression and anxiety. Whether from complex relationships or life events, her fears often manifested in physical and emotional struggles that felt impossible to escape. She describes how, at times, she was overcome with feelings of hopelessness and despair, even losing her sense of direction.

But it wasn’t until she turned to her faith that the true healing began. In a vulnerable moment of her life, when she was lying in bed and consumed by depression, she found peace through God’s intervention. She says, “I woke up with such joy, enthusiasm, and energy the next day… I remember my mother saying, ‘I am so glad I got my Phyllis back.’” This transformation wasn’t just a shift in her emotions; it was a profound spiritual breakthrough that allowed her to see the power of trusting in God’s timing and purpose.

In the Bible, Philippians 4:6-7 offers practical advice for those struggling with anxiety. It says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This scripture emphasizes that by focusing on prayer and thanksgiving, we can turn our fears over to God. It’s not always easy, but it is the way to find peace in the midst of turmoil.

Finding Strength in Faith

Phyllis’s story shows that faith isn’t just about believing in God during the good times. It’s about leaning into God’s promises, especially during the tough ones. When Phyllis experienced trauma and loss, including the death of her husband, Larry, she didn’t let fear paralyze her. Instead, she sought refuge in her faith, allowing God’s strength to guide her.

Throughout her story, Phyllis reminds us that God does not promise a life free from pain or fear, but He promises to walk with us through those challenges. Isaiah 41:10 echoes this promise: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Even in moments of loss and suffering, Phyllis found strength in this truth.

Practical Steps to Overcome Fear and Anxiety

While scripture offers comfort, overcoming fear also requires practical steps. Phyllis offers valuable insights that can help anyone struggling with anxiety. Here are a few practices rooted in her journey that can help break the grip of fear:

1. Lean into God’s Word: In moments of fear or anxiety, turn to scripture for comfort. Find verses that speak to your situation and meditate on them. Scripture reminds us that we are not alone and that God is greater than any fear we face.
2. Prayer and Gratitude: Phyllis speaks about the transformative power of prayer. Whenever fear or anxiety creeps in, take a moment to pray and give thanks for God’s presence. This practice doesn’t just ease anxiety—it reorients our hearts towards God’s sovereignty.
3. Surround Yourself with Support: During Phyllis’s most challenging times, she leaned on family and friends. Surrounding yourself with a community of believers or loved ones can provide the emotional and spiritual support needed to overcome challenges.
4. Face Your Fears: Faith doesn’t mean you won’t feel fear, but it does mean you can face it. Phyllis faced her fears head-on, not by avoiding them but by confronting them through her trust in God. Every time we step out in faith, we grow stronger.
5. Focus on the Present: Often, anxiety comes from worrying about the future. Phyllis learned that by focusing on the present moment and trusting God with tomorrow, she could find peace. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Moving Forward with Faith

As Phyllis’s journey demonstrates, faith isn’t about having all the answers or never feeling fear. It’s about trusting that God will see you through your darkest times. Her story is a beacon of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and fear, showing that with faith, peace is possible.

When we embrace faith over fear, we unlock the power to move forward with courage, knowing that God’s love and power are greater than anything that can make us anxious. Like Phyllis, we can break free from the chains of fear and live lives filled with peace, strength, and purpose.

So, no matter where you are today, remember: You are not defined by your fears. You are defined by the faith you hold onto, and with God’s help, you can find peace that surpasses all understanding.