#FEARLESS365 is a yearlong study of God’s commandment to us to live without fear. For 365 days, we will focus on one scripture and volunteers from all over the world will share their personal thoughts and what God has shared with them on the specific verse. For more info… go here.

“Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid.

Jeremiah 46:27

I lived in a Christian community/cult for thirty-four years.  At the age of 57 in 2009, for various reasons, I left my husband (39-year marriage) and the community, abandoning a lifestyle which sequestered us “from the world.”  It has not been an easy row to hoe.  However, the Lord sent those who love me to guide and assist my acclimation to “life on the outside.”  It was a series of trepidatious baby steps with many falls and hard landings.

It was difficult for me to find a job, having had little college and no documented work experience.  I had quit college to answer what I believed was God’s call into community.  We farmed, schooled our own children and built three communities deep in the piney woods of South Georgia.  I learned how to be practically self-sufficient, but that was no entry on a resume.  Thru perseverance of knowing that the Lord would take care of me, I found work within six months.  Since that time, I have never been without work of some kind.  (“Some kind” meaning housecleaning, office administrator, painting homes, landscaping, nannying, whatever He provided, I have done).

As I write these paragraphs, I am looking out my window thru areca palms at the back yard of a Methodist church.  I live in a home which I can only describe as being my dream home. I can see a river thru my kitchen window. My daughter and granddaughter will arrive any moment to spend the night.  I am paid to write my memoirs, which are currently posted in a Facebook group read by over 200 readers.  My health is amazing.  My car has 240,000 miles on it and my mechanic believes it will endure another 240,000. My social life is varied. I truly lack for nothing.

I have come from a distant place.  I am not afraid nor dismayed.  I certainly have peace and security.

Selah.

Cara L.C. lives in Treasure Coast area in Florida. She lived in Christian community for 34 years; left at age 57 and begin another new life.