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