Robert H. Schuller says: “If you listen to your fears, you will die never knowing what a great person you might have been.”
I agree with these wise words. Fear is triggered by our perception of danger. In some cases the danger is very real – fear is what keeps a child away from a burning stove & from walking away with a stranger who could wish them harm. This fear is necessary, it avoids for us a lot of unnecessary pain. Over time we learn what we should fear through experience and our parents instructions.
There is, however, another kind of fear out there. The fear of a perceived danger which only truly exists in our heads. For some it’s the fear of failure, for others it’s embarrassment or rejection. Whatever it is this fear is so real to those who experience it that it can paralyze them, lead them to settle for the status quo and miss out on their destiny.
Mankind as a whole struggles with fear which is why, I am convinced, God made sure to write “FEAR NOT” 366 times in the Bible. One for each day even on bissextile years. Fear is a powerful emotion and should not be taken lightly. If it is not dealt with, fear can lead to depression, deceit, suicide and even violence against others. But it doesn’t have to get this far. One of my favorite verses on fear and anxiety is:
1 Peter 5: 7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him (God) because He cares for you.” NIV
What a beautiful thought: God cares for you, he cares about everything you are going through. This verse includes all the things you are anxious about today, and will be anxious about tomorrow and … forever. So take heart, be courageous and face life as it is knowing that you are NEVER alone.
As a challenge I decided to do one thing each day that I either don’t want to do or fear doing without over thinking it. I propose we do this together. Are you in?
Stay Conscious + Chic!
