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Be Not Afraid |
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by Angie
Ledbetter © 2003
CNN and the major television networks
run 24-hour live coverage of war’s gruesome events.
Radio programming keys listeners in to breaking news of
foreign atrocities during every talk show. Economic indicators
show large slumps due to global uncertainties. Homeland
Security raises the terrorism threat from orange to red.
School children practice chemical attack drills in their
elementary schools. Families hug their loved ones once
more as they depart for the battlefront. With this as
daily fare, and no change of menu on the foreseeable horizon,
who wouldn’t be uneasy, queasy, and afraid?
There are, however, proactive steps we can take to minimize
the negative affects that swirl around us today. We have
everything we need to combat these stresses if we remain
calm and think clearly. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of
Oz, when finding ourselves in an unfamiliar and unfriendly
place, we must take action and move ahead.
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"Terror,
and Fear, and War. Oh my!"
It is good to name the things that
are weighing on our hearts and souls, making them more
familiar and less scary. In talking about our concerns,
however, we shouldn’t dwell on them overmuch, especially
if there are small children in the home.
Walk with Friends
Dorothy also knew to bring friends
along on her frightening journey. Each had a different
gift or perspective to aid her along the way. It is helpful
for us to have like-minded friends with whom to discuss
our fears, and with whom to join our voices together in
common prayer. A close-knit prayer community helps diminish
our feelings of isolation and brings us comfort. Attending
church services or gathering with prayer partners never
fails to uplift us from our burdens, concerns, and fears.
Get Busy!
Nothing helps us “unfocus”
on negative and fearful thoughts more than keeping our
hands busy with good things. Volunteer to serve supper
at a shelter, visit the sick or shut in, or do whatever
it takes to put your faith into some sort of positive
action.
Take a Break
Even Dorothy took a long snooze in
the magical poppy field. We would do well to follow her
example by dismissing scary and fearful thoughts before
bedtime. Toward this effort, do not watch war news or
discuss events near bedtime. Clearing our minds, doing
relaxing activities, reading uplifting and Scriptural
material, and praying will ease us into a more restful
sleep. Sleep deprivation and bad sleep patterns only add
to our feelings of helplessness and bring on more stress.
Turn off the tube and bring out the dusty board games
and card decks and spend a leisurely evening pursuing
old fashioned, good activities.
Secure Destination
Dorothy, at the end of her trials and
tribulations, knew deep within her heart to call on her
roots of security when she uttered, “There’s
no place like home.” In fearful times, it is helpful
for us to stick closer to home and hearth, and to remove
some of the stressful “extra” activities that
keep us in the rat race. Remember also that we have an
everlasting home and a Father who watches over us every
moment of every day. And we can be there and walk with
Him daily in prayer…no matter what horrors surround
us.
Sing a Good Song
Praising, speaking in the positive,
praying with hope and thanksgiving, uplifting our country
and leaders in prayer, and even singing can lift us above
the quagmire of human fears.
“Be Not Afraid” by Bob Dufford, S.J.
is a lovely hymn that never fails to work its magic on
suffering hearts.
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Angie Ledbetter is a mom,
ministry worker, Scout enthusiast, columnist, author,
and freelance writer who is partial to inspirational subject
matter. Her new co-authored book, Seeds
of Faith ~ An Inspirational Almanac is based on the
"Parable of the Mustard Seed" and divided into
nature's four seasons. She is a regional representative
for the National Association of Women Writers. For more
information see Writers
Gumbo.
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Scripture taken from the
Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright ©
1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International
Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered
trademarks of International Bible Society. Use of either
trademark for the offering of goods or services requires
the prior written consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy
Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used
by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton,
IL 60189, USA. All rights reserved.
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