Fear

Bill has a condition call 'Gastroparasis.' It seems to be unique with people with diabetes. When it occurs, the person is in extreme pain. The first time this happened to Bill, he was very fearful, afraid that something really bad was happening to his body, and emergency precautions were taken. He was taken to the emergency department at Baylor Hospital and was diagnosed with Gall Stones. A surgeon was consulted and the surgery was performed. Before long however, Bill was having the same pain and having the pain frequently. Finally a new diabetic doctor recognized the symptoms for what they were. Now Bill has learned to relax instead of being afraid and after a few minutes the pain goes away, but today he had an attack and it lasting longer than usuall. Fear can be a devastating experience.



Ralph Beebe. Having seen these words over the fireplace of the Hind's Head Hotel in Bray-on-Thames, not far from London: "FEAR KNOCKED AT THE DOOR. FAITH ANSWERED. NO ONE WAS THERE," wrote the following.



Too often Fear rules over our lives, intruding into every situation. Fear sits by our side and whispers advice while we make decisions. Fear embraces us when we meet grief. Fear frays our bodies and our minds, and robs us of the very sleep we need to mend them.



Fear masquerades in countless forms and under many names: Doubt, Indecision, Procrastination, Alarm, Timidity and Anxiety. Sometimes Fear becomes Terror, Horror, Shock and Consternation.



Fear constantly knocks at our door, asking to enter our lives. Fear poses as a friend. Fear claims to be Prudence, Caution, Care, Diligence and Discretion. But if we open our lives to Fear, we admit a guest who will not soon or gracefully depart.



Faith is the comrade who will serve us best against Fear. For Fear is shadow, but Faith is real. Faith too assumes other shapes and names. There is the Faith that is met as Prayer, the alliance with the Almighty that enables one to meet the contrary ways of the world. Faith is the courage that has battled for man's highest ideals. Faith supports us as Confidence, in ourselves and to those we serve and those who serve.



Keep Faith as a constant companion. When Fear knocks at your door, send Faith to answer. Faith will dissolve the shadow of Fear that would blot every thought and action.



"...Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you..." Isaiah 41:10