The Whisper.

I built myself a castle. It's made of stone. No one would be able to get into my castle because of how strong the walls are. The only people who can get in are those who know where the secret passages are. And there aren't very many of them.

Sometimes I stand on the parapet and look out on the world. The world looks different every direction I turn. To the North. To the West. To the East. To the South. Every path that leads away from my castle goes toward somewhere unique. Every direction is a new adventure.

As I look beyond my castle walls...I shiver. Intimidated by the expansive world right outside of my castle, I take a deep breath and close my eyes. The cold wind howls in my ears and chills me to the bone. I've always been so secure and protected in my castle. The mere thought of venturing out sends shivers down my spine.

One day...soon...I know I'll have to step outside. Leave the walls that had always kept me so safe behind me. I grow frightened at the thought.

NO! I think to myself as I hold on tightly to the edge of the parapet. My fingers cling to the edge and I open my eyes, breathing hard. Raising my eyes to the sky I try to calm my nerves.

I wipe the few tears away from my eyes. And then I hear it.

A whisper.

The wind...oddly stopped blowing. I look around wondering where the whisper had come from.

There it was again.

A small whisper. Somewhat like a soft breeze. Barely even audible. Yet, I hear it and I feel it's warmth upon my face. It tells me not to be afraid. It tells me that I do not have to worry. It tells me that even beyond my castle walls, I will find a safe haven. It tells me that my King will protect me and show me His ways. The King of ALL the castles everywhere will remain at my side with his arms around me, guiding me on the right paths. It tells me that there is no reason to fear because I am strong and I am His princess. And He never allows His princesses and princes come to any harm. Because He loves them. He loves me. And all will be well.

As soon as it appeared, the whisper went away. Even though it was no longer speaking to me and the cold wind started howling again, I could still feel the lingering warmth of the whisper.

I smiled and my eyes sparkled with a newfound hope that the whisper had kindled inside of me. My hair whipped around me as the wind tried to force me back into the sanctuary of my castle.

I would go back inside. But not because of the wind or the giant world that had looked and sounded so intimidating. I would go back inside to prepare myself for the adventure that was waiting for me. I'm not ready to leave yet. But when I do, I won't be scared.

I know it won't be easy. There will be mountains to climb, battles to win, and dragons to fight and tame. Now...I look forward. It is going to be a fantastic adventure.

If I keep listening to the whispers...I know I'll find my path and find the strength to lean on my King and face the world head on.

I am not afraid. The castle walls, as grateful as I am for them, cannot hold me back.

Filled with newfound joy and newfound hope, I skip down the steps with that smile still on my face and look upward one last time and murmur my thanks to the whisper and King.

I am not afraid.