Let Jesus Handle the Spooky Things in Life

Sometimes the scariest thing isn't what might happen if we try. It's what we might miss if we never do.

I have a confession to make.

I've written an award-winning book, hosted a podcast for seven seasons that's ranked in the top five percent globally, and launched new resources to help people find hope and live with purpose.

Yet asking people to support something I've created? Whew! That's still uncomfortable.

Because I never want anyone to think I'm saying, "Look at me!"

My heart has always been, "Look at Him!"

So why did I apply for the Ryan Seacrest Top Host contest? And what does that have to do with ghost suckers and my mom?

Let me explain.

A Little Childhood Memory With a Big Reminder

Every October, my mom and I loved making ghost suckers. You know the kind? A lollipop covered in white tissue, tied off with a little bow, and finished with drawn-on eyes.

Our little ghosts came with a reminder: "Let Jesus handle the spooky things in life."

Back then, I had no idea how often I'd need that message.

Today, the spooky things aren't ghosts. They're the fears that keep us from taking the next step.

What will people think? What if I fail? What if I put myself out there and nothing happens?

I've been asking God to show me how to sustain and grow the work He's placed on my heart. When the contest opportunity came along, I initially talked myself out of it. Twice!

But eventually, I decided to take the leap and submit my application.

Not because I know I'll win, but because I didn't want fear to make the decision for me.

You Can Be Humble Without Making Yourself Invisible

I love promoting other people, celebrating their accomplishments, and helping meaningful work reach the people who need it.

But when it's my turn to share something I've created, I start overthinking.

Will people think I'm full of myself? Am I making this about me instead of God?

Maybe you've felt that way, too. Perhaps you've dreamed of writing a book, starting a business, sharing your story, or pursuing an opportunity, but you've stayed quiet because you don't want to appear boastful.

Here's what I'm learning:

There is a difference between seeking attention for yourself and making your work visible so it can serve someone else.

First Peter 4:10 reminds us to use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace.

We can use our gifts with humility. We can share our work with gratitude. And we can invite others to support something meaningful without losing sight of Whom we're serving.

We don't have to make ourselves the center of the story to share the part we've been given.

Three Questions to Ask Before Your Next Leap

If you're hesitating over a decision or opportunity, consider these three questions:

1. Is this about purpose or applause?

Am I pursuing something meaningful that aligns with my values, or am I relying on recognition to determine my worth?

2. Have I prayed, sought wisdom, and counted the cost?

Not every open door is the right door. Take time to pray, consider the practical realities, and seek wise counsel.

3. Can I take the next step without demanding a particular outcome?

We don't always get certainty before we begin. Sometimes we simply make the wisest decision we can with what we know today and trust God with tomorrow.

First Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast our anxieties on God because He cares for us.

That doesn't mean we sit back and expect every problem to disappear. It means we bring our worries to Him, seek wisdom, do our part, and release what we cannot control.

Faith doesn't require us to know the ending before we begin.

Your Next Step

Maybe your spooky thing is a new beginning, a difficult conversation, a business idea, or the fear of being seen.

Whatever it is, you don't have to figure out the next five years today.

Send the email. Make the phone call. Write the first page. Ask for help. Or, if it's time to let something go, take that first step with peace and intention.

And since I'm practicing what I'm preaching, here's my own next step.

Would you consider voting for me in the Ryan Seacrest Top Host contest?

Asking for support makes me uncomfortable, but I'd love the opportunity to expand the reach of Holly's Highlights and its message of hope.

If the podcast has encouraged you, I'd be grateful for your vote and for you to share the opportunity with a friend. You can vote at: https://tophost.org/2026/holly-curby

Whatever happens, I'm choosing to take the leap, keep doing the work, and trust God with the outcome.

Because life will always have its spooky things: uncertainty, change, disappointment, and the fear of failure.

But we don't have to face them alone.

So this October, remember those little ghost suckers and the message my mom and I shared.

Let Jesus handle the spooky things in life.

Then ask yourself: What's the next faithful step I can take?

You can be courageous while feeling afraid. You can be humble while using your gifts. And you can take a leap of faith without knowing exactly where you'll land.

Above all, may the people who encounter our stories, our work, and our lives see more than us.

May they see Him.

With hope,

Holly Curby

Author of Face-Lift: Embracing Hope Through Your Heartaches | Host of Holly's Highlights

Discover more at HollyCurby.com.