Paralysis
As a pre-school child I was taught fear. “Look out for snakes! Stay out of the grass! Don’t go near that log, or rock or . . .!” One morning I heard shouting. A cousin just a few months older than me had been bitten by a Copperhead. I had nightmares occasionally. I would be halfway between the house and the outhouse and hundreds of snakes would block my path to safety in either direction.
I know life with fear and it wasn't pleasant. I grew to the point I refused to live with fear! As a young teenager I forced myself to touch a snake. During the last year I have seen five rattlesnakes near my house – three in the yard -- one under my back porch – and I’ve welcomed them and felt compassion for them in their fear of me..
What or who do I fear?
I don’t’ fear terrorists or the future or the unknown. I don’t fear nature or storms or getting older or dying.
I fear those who would attempt to control my thinking and pondering and wondering. I fear those who would take away the freedom of my spirit. I fear the religious right and my federal and state governments.
I am fascinated by the Bible’s take on fear. In one passage the “fearful” (or cowards or cowardly or afraid) are grouped with murders and sexual perverts! The translation that I prefer in this passage uses “those of give in to fear”.
I will not give in to fear and be paralyzed by it! I will experience fear but rather than letting fear control me I will control fear. As long as my mind is free, I will be free.
My life is good and rich and wonderful and I will keep it that way.
I know life with fear and it wasn't pleasant. I grew to the point I refused to live with fear! As a young teenager I forced myself to touch a snake. During the last year I have seen five rattlesnakes near my house – three in the yard -- one under my back porch – and I’ve welcomed them and felt compassion for them in their fear of me..
What or who do I fear?
I don’t’ fear terrorists or the future or the unknown. I don’t fear nature or storms or getting older or dying.
I fear those who would attempt to control my thinking and pondering and wondering. I fear those who would take away the freedom of my spirit. I fear the religious right and my federal and state governments.
I am fascinated by the Bible’s take on fear. In one passage the “fearful” (or cowards or cowardly or afraid) are grouped with murders and sexual perverts! The translation that I prefer in this passage uses “those of give in to fear”.
I will not give in to fear and be paralyzed by it! I will experience fear but rather than letting fear control me I will control fear. As long as my mind is free, I will be free.
My life is good and rich and wonderful and I will keep it that way.
posted by Paul at 8:16 AM
6 Comments:
I have heard it said that everything boils down to two things - love and fear.
Some years ago I had a friend who seemed to take comfort from worry -he would look for things to worry about and had a very unadventurous lifestyle. His mistake taught me to fight my own fears. Life is not for the faint of heart!
Incidentally thanks a lot for your kind words. Appreciated!
I like this quote about fear by James Thurber. "Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness."
I've been looking for something to post about on my blog. I think you've just inspired me. I know fear is something that plays a big role in my life.
Blow'n, Hello.
You pose 3 questions. Unfortunately, I don't have the time needed at the moment to respond fully. Quickly, concerning the last question, I plan on keeping my life good by exercising the control that I do have. Life is never certain and I can't control everything but it has been my experience that many people create their own misery. I hope to make wise decisions by learning from others. I'd be glad to answer more fully if you are interested.
Blow'n In The Wind,
I'll post a reply tonight. Unfortunately, my work ethic prevents a full reply now.
By the way, I didn't think your reply sounded harsh.
Also, I welcome the opportunity to exchange ideas and opinions and am looking forward to a lively discussion.
Blow'n In The Wind,
I responded to question 3 as a new post entitled "My Choices". Are you interested in responses to your first two questions? I could post responses to them tomorrow.
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