First Baptist Church of Herndon

So what are you afraid of?

Linda Soller | Oct 29, 2012

Halloween is almost here. As a child I would start planning my costume weeks in advance. My big fear was that it would be too cold or rainy to stay out long enough for the big haul of sweets that I anticipated, and I’m not even a big sweets person. It was pretty scary too, in a kid kind of way, walking around in the dark, wondering if someone might jump out from behind a bush or tree. Sometimes just the sound of a friend squealing would make the rest of us let out a scream. As the years passed Halloween became really scary in a grown up kind of way, with tainted candy, razors in apples, and the fear of children not coming home from their wanderings. Today it is pretty much a grownup event. I am convinced all the adults in costume are just frustrated children who never got a chance to really experience Halloween without fear.

The other Sunday I asked the Do Drops what they were afraid of. As you might expect their list included death, loss of loved ones, illness, losing jobs, losing their homes, war, and so on.  There were no ghosts or goblins on the list. Mostly we grownups fear the unknown and the things we cannot control. Just as Halloween has evolved over the years so our fears have evolved.  And if we are truly honest with ourselves we all have fears. Being fearful is one way we humans protect ourselves from doing things that are dangerous or maybe just stupid. There is a place for fear in our lives, as long as it does not rule our lives.

The Bible is full of examples of people who were very afraid; armies fled from the enemy, disciples afraid to own up to their connection to Jesus and prophets who feared the reaction they would get when they delivered their message. They learned gradually at their own pace how to face their fears, how to find strength in their faith. When I am fearful I think of a child from the Bible who faced a monstrous man in battle with his sling shot and his amazing faith. The world can be a scary place. Aren’t we lucky we have God to get us through each day? So what are you afraid of? Have a great week.

:o)  Linda