First Baptist Church of Herndon

It's Scary Out There

Linda Soller | Oct 30, 2017

For the last few weeks I’ve chatted about fear and faith, demons, ghosts, and witch-hunts. We’ve been discussing the same topics in our Drop-In classes. Considering everyone is very different, we agreed it can be scary out there.

What scares you the most?

Sometimes people’s fears drive both sides of an argument. In Northern Virginia, many people fear the rapid development which changes the personality of the places we have come to love. The planned community of Reston, once tied so tightly to nature, has paved its way to an urban sprawl few thought they would ever see. Others think the constant growth keeps it alive and attractive to future populations. Fear can force us to act. What scares you the most?

Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and California, to name a few, were all in recent news for weather related issues. Whether it’s wind and rain or wind and fire, nature is powerful and scary. People living in such areas weigh the tempting beauty of temperate climates, sunshine, and views against the threats of the volatile weather. Once a victim they face the decision to stay or go. Fear can make us take a chance or keep us safe. What scares you the most?

Our world filled with so much anger, with rumbles of wars, grows smaller every day. The diversity which even our small towns experience was once reserved for the largest urban centers. Some fear those who are different while others embrace the differences. Fear can close us off or help us reach out. What scares you the most?

With all the advances of modern medicine and technology, there is still the certainty of death. Some live to be much older than our ancestors, but some argue if their quality of life is good enough. Some die for a cause, some seem to die in vain, some die in violence, while others die in sadness. Fear can make you face reality or hide from the truth. What scares you the most?

October is associated with Halloween, homecomings, apple festivals, autumn leaves, hurricanes, cool breezes, harvest moons, and well, different things to different people. Some look out at the world and see all they fear. Some look up at the heavens and see all they need to get through the day. Yes, it’s scary out there, but fear reminds us to seek the One who is always there for us, even in the darkness.

Have a great week!  :o) Linda