By Shelley Breen of Point of Grace

When I look back on my high school experience, there is one thing that stands out to me more than anything else: I was flat-out terrified of failure. From making myself literally sick over making good grades, to not taking chances when I should have, most of my decisions were based on the fear of failing.

One particular memory stands out in my mind. Given my involvement in my church choir and also choir at school, I was singing a lot by the time I was in the 9th grade. My high school choir director was so encouraging, and I finally felt like I had found something that I enjoyed and was good at. Try-outs for the high school musical rolled around, and they were doing Grease. I loved the music from that movie and had the double LP album that I would sing obsessively along with every night in my mirror.

I knew the music like the back of my hand—but every time I went to sign up for try-outs, I just couldn’t do it. I was so afraid of failing—so afraid of not being offered a part. So, I never did it. I never even tried out. In a school where I was known as “the singer” by my classmates, I couldn’t muster up the tiniest bit of courage to risk failure! It’s wild to think that a professional singer would be so cowardly in her younger years, but I was. Now when I look back, it’s almost laughable.

I see it so clearly now—how fear of not measuring up can keep some of life’s greatest experiences from you.

So, I have tried at every turn to encourage my own daughter to go for it every single time. And I’m so proud of her when she puts herself out there—especially in the times when she fails. I know that sounds odd, but it couldn’t be more true. It says so much about her character and resilience to lose gracefully and keep her perspective and persistence. Anyone can be proud of their daughter when risk leads to success. But my momma’s heart beams even brighter when she risks and falls down, only to get back up, keep moving forward, and trust the Lord all over again the next go-around. Resilience is the real success!

If I had a dime for every time I have told Caroline, “Do your best and then let the chips fall,” I would be rich. And in all seriousness, I believe in that little catchphrase with all my heart, because God holds all the chips. He has our best interest at heart. He will “place the chips” or let them fall where they need to be. Sometimes it will be on the side of failure, sometimes success, as the world defines them. But in each case, the real win is in trusting Him no matter what.

There are so many reasons not to take a chance on something in this life, but fear of failure should not be one of them.

Check out more in their new book from CCM artists Point of Grace, called How You Live.

The women of Point of Grace have provided a soundtrack to our lives for over two decades. With faith-filled, and passionate lyrics, their memorable melodies and soaring harmonies have inspired generations to live boldly and keep God’s love as the foundation of their lives. With over 8 million recordings sold, 3 GRAMMY® nominations, multiple Dove awards, and countless accolades, the story of a few gifted college girls with a simple passion to unite and share their musical gifts for the glory of God continues to evolve and engage thousands of fans, both old and new. Their unique ability to affect audiences with heartfelt song and story is stronger than ever. Each new season of life seems to challenge the trio to reach even higher and dig deeper into their craft, as seen in the musical and lyrical depth of their more recent projects. One can only think that the days ahead are like a burst of light on the horizon, ready to yield even more of the heavenly and timeless artistry we have come to know and love.