Monday, January 17, 2011

FEAR

When I was young, my biggest fear was being kidnapped while taking out the garbage. Actually, it went beyond even that. I KNEW I was going to be kidnapped and that the kidnappers would only release me if I actually knew all the words to the song I was humming on the way to the garbage can. This was a problem because the only reason I hummed instead of singing was that I DIDN"T KNOW ALL THE WORDS!  Then I got to thinking, "Do other people only hum when they don't know the words? Or are others just tired  of the words of the song and decided to hum just for a change of pace?" This intense dilemma would continue until I was safely back in our brightly lit friendly kitchen. Phew!

Fortunately, I can now take out the garbage without the need to dialogue with that inner demon. Somewhere along the way, I learned that people hum for all different kinds of reasons and that most kidnappers will not free you whether or not you know the words to Elton John's "Butterflies are Free to Fly" song.

I'd love to say that all my fears have gone the way of the humming kidnappers, but they haven't. In fact, the fears I have now, make those kidnappers seem like  crumbs of bread compared to a feast.

Some would tell me not to voice those fears. That voicing them gives them life. I disagree. Certain fears stay in the shadows and flit about, ruining your life because you don't pay attention to them. You need to bring them out into the light so you can vanquish them into oblivion.

So here they are not necessarily in any particular order.

1. That I will end up being a bitter old woman who forgets all the scripture I've memorized over the years but remembers all of the swear words I learned in junior high school.

2. That those closest to me will not have a saving relationship with Jesus by the time they die.

3. That the words that I'm thinking about saying to a close family member or friend will produce a fight, or a disappointment, or some negative reaction, and that will affect relationship in a negative way (so I say nothing of any great consequence.)

4. I am terrified of jumping out of an airplane, or trusting a carabiner to stop me from falling off a cliff.
(I'm guessing it's safe to say I have a fear of heights, but I'm not afraid to stand at a window in a really tall building and I didn't have any problem going in a hot air balloon.)

5. Bees.



So, That's it. I'm not sure how to "vaquish them all". Any advice would be appreciated. :)


Peace
L

4 comments:

Sheila Siler said...

I think voicing your fears can be freeing.
Sometimes.
It helps if no one makes fun of your fears.
Most of my fears can be set aside if I can remember that God is not waiting for me to mess up (even if I remember all the swear words and forget all the scripture).
I also think that sometimes it's okay to be afraid (as in jumping out of an airplane).

Linda Fischer said...

Sheila, I'm so glad God loves us no matter what. Such a simple truth. You know my "children's pastor brain" changes everything into a "big idea". God loves us no matter what" God helps me to be Brave". "God's got your back"... that's what I need to remember when I am afraid. Love you, girl!

Carol E Wyer said...

I'm a great believer in facing your fears...however I'm probably also a hypocrite because I have an eye phobia, my eyesight is failing and I'm too terrified to have eye laser treatment...in theory I should face up to it. In reality -I'm too scared!
As for bees I can assure you they are really friendly - honestly they are. It's a very long story that I won't bore you with but I ended up accidentally sticking my hand right into a bee hive a few years ago and I only got two stings. My arm was totally covered in bees. When I removed it they just flew away. The key is to stay calm. As for the other fears well maybe voicing them will help...I still can't face laser surgery though :)
Many thanks for droppping by and leaving me your lovely comment. I really appreciate it.
Carol

Susie - Walking Butterfly said...

Hi Linda, I am a new "Follower" and I feel like I just came across a new good friend! You are funny and real, love your blog!
I think that writing out your fears as you've done above helps us see how silly they are in daylight you know? Not calling you silly, but the writing helps put our mushed up thoughts into perspective sometimes.
#1 cracked me up and I've wondered about that for myself also!