I have lived in dread for 30 years. The main feeling was fear. It was a fear of failing. I tried to not live in dread but I’d fail and fail over and over again.

Being me was a dreadful thing. Dread became a driving feeling in my soul. It drove me to be self-destructive. I was desperate for distractions and comfort.

Dread leads to ongoing misery that lives in your soul. It’s acidic.

Today, I am so much better. My thinking has changed. I’ve moved from dread to acceptance. I’m believing God and his truths. Self-criticism is gone. Shame does not exist any more. Acceptance has caused everything to change. The old me could not escape failure. Failure was dreadful and failure was inevitable.

Today, failure sometimes happens. But here are the major differences. God has accepted me and I have accepted me. Jesus forgave me and I forgave me. I have accepted God, myself, my wife, my story, my dad, and all my stupid attempts to avoid feeling dread. I have forgiven myself and I have accepted myself.

Prayer

Father, thank you for accepting me. Thank you that even if I fail, you still love me. Thank you for helping me release my dread program. Instead, I joyfully participate in your acceptance program. Today I accept your truths over my failure program. Thank you for accepting me. Amen.

Bible Verse

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)