Confronting fear

I've been afraid a lot in my life. I imagine many of us have. What’s new for me — and can be for you, too, perhaps — is the realization of our own power, as well as a complete confidence in God.

Many of us who have grown up under trauma learned to give away our power. It was the price we paid for some semblance of control or some sense of affirmation. If I act like Dad is smarter than me, if I seek the advice of my abuser, if I submit, then things will not be as bad as they could be. We routinely put ourselves down so the adults around us would feel big (and possibly be less abusive).

It takes a long time to regain ourselves. It takes a long time to realize we can think, speak, and move with our own authority. We matter. We make a a difference. That can feel very, very good.

And then there’s God. No one said it better than Julian of Norwich: all will be well. God has us. We are like Peter in the boat when the seas are calm. We are like Peter in the water when they are not — Jesus always has a hand stretched out for us. Always.

Our own power. God’s power. When we can’t, God can and does.

This is how we confront fear.

Reflection

In what way is it relieving to realize we can speak up, we can fight, we don’t have to just sit in fear?

Prayer

Dear God, I’m feeling afraid. There are forces in action that feel much bigger than me. Gift us with wisdom, Lord. Remind us our part is vital. We are not powerless. And remind us how much bigger You are than any fear bearing down on us. Amen.