Printer
Friendly page - click here
Be Not Afraid |
|
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.
|
"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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
You'll
also receive Practical Biblical Solutions for life's
challenges with our free e-zine |
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
JOHN 14:27 |
|
|
"Peace I leave with
you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the
world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and
do not be afraid. " |
|
(NIV) |
|
|
| |
|
|
Recommended
Reading
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
