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“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – FDR
Lately, I’ve been confronted by my fears. And, I’m shocked at how much of my life is being controlled by fear. I wonder how many others live this way. I suspect a great many of us. It’s not crippling fear, though. At least, not for me. That’s part of what makes it so insidious. You see, I don’t alter my life in any dramatic way that would be noticeable to anyone else. I didn’t even notice it myself until recently. Now, it’s one of those things —Once you see it, you can’t un-see it.
Of what am I afraid? Mostly, of being controlled. Of having my freedom taken from me. Specifically, the freedom to raise my children as I see fit, to teach them what I believe they should be taught. To speak my mind freely, without fear of reciprocity or injustice.
Ironically, the fear is self-fulfilling. Because I’m afraid of what may happen if I speak out too loudly or stand up for something controversial, I alter my behavior to fly under the radar. I choose my words carefully so as to not be attacked. Basically, I give in to the fear in small ways so that it won’t happen to me in a big way. At least, that’s the logic.
“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” – Nehemiah 4:14
“The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.” – Exodus 15:3
Here’s the thing. God is great and awesome. He is a warrior and He will fight for me and my family as long as we are on His side. I have nothing to fear.
“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” – Deuteronomy 3:22
I believe a time is coming, and is now upon us, when we will be tested. We will be asked to stand up and be counted. We will have to declare which side we’re on. We can try to avoid that test, but I believe we will only postpone it, at best. At worst, we will lose heart and turn cowardly when it matters most. I do not want to lose my freedom or my rights, but if I choose to remain silent, I have already lost them. And, my greatest fear is that I will be a coward. I would rather die and be separated from my family for a short time than give in to fear and fail my God and my family. What kind of a father would I be then?
There are so many things going on in the news that make me sick. Free speech is being attacked at every turn. Religious freedom is dying quickly. The Truth has very few friends, it seems.
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Becky says
Bravo Scott!! Thank you for finding your courage! We need more like you who are not afraid to spread the truth.
Scott says
Hey Becky! Thanks for the encouragement. I’m discovering that truth and fear are rarely friends. Now, I need to remember that.