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FEAR is an integral part of human nature. God put it there as part
of our personal survival kit. Fear causes an adrenalin rush which in
turn forces us to pay attention to a real or a perceived danger or
threat.
Fear in itself is good. It is a red flare, a
warning bell. The problem with fear is that there are so many false
alarms. So often, fear comes crashing through the door and warns us
of threats that are either grossly exaggerated or non-existent.
Irrational fear can overwhelm us if we are not
careful. It can create little monsters behind every tree in the
forest because it makes good use of the imagination. It has an
uncanny ability to inflate itself into outrageous proportions.
Like a balloon that is pricked, most of our
fears explode when confronted. That is when they are seen for what
they truly are: Emotional mirages.
Some people make a living teaching us to fight
the demons of fear. There are a thousand methods that are brought
forth to deal with irrational fears. We all have our favorite
technique.
Mine has to do with faith. I remind myself of
the presence of God in my life. I think of Him walking at my side
and leading me even when I am in “the valley of darkness.” This
has a calming effect on me. The fear may remain, but it is a
sobering thought that He is not only there, but that He is in
control.
Even if I need to suffer pain, faith makes sense
of it all. And if it doesn’t, faith tells me that understanding in
these circumstances are beyond my intellectual capacity. Still, God
is there and He’s in control.
I was reminded of this when I read a prayer by
Gerald Jampolsky, a psychiatrist who found God. I was touched by it
and I believe it might inspire some of you too:
“Help me to let go of my preoccupations with
the future.
Give me the strength to stop my futile attempts
to predict and control the future.
Let me see no value in my plan of what the
future should be.
Rid me of my senseless questions about tomorrow.
And of all my desires to manipulate and control
others.
Remind me that my fears and uncertainties of
tomorrow are only related to my unfounded fear of You.
Help me be still, help me listen and love.
Awaken me to the truth of your Presence being
only in the now of this moment.
Lift me up into Your arms and remind me that I
am Your Creation, and that I am the perfection of love.
Help me to acknowledge that I am Your Messenger
of love, and free me to shine Your light everywhere.
Let me feel Your freedom within me, and let me
laugh at the illusions that my ego once made me feel was so real.
Let me be light; let me be joy; let me know that
I am the reflection of you wherever I am, and wherever I go.”
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If you have problems about drugs, alcohol and
behavior/attitude call my office at 8206107 or 8251771 or e-mail me
at gvcbuenca@vasia.com.
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