Leaning in, not overcoming

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“Do not be afraid.”

Jesus says this constantly. Often when the proverbial horse has left the barn. Telling us to not be afraid when we already are seems a bit…harsh. And ridiculous.

“Oh, OK! I’ll just switch this off… [ click ] There. Not afraid. Phew!”

But Jesus isn’t asking us to do the impossible. He reminds us that fear is not a terminal diagnosis. We need not remain afraid, or allow the fear to overwhelm us.

Fear is not the enemy. It is not an emotion that must be defeated.

Fear is our body’s response to uncertainty and concern for our safety. So when I am afraid, I know my body is trying to protect me. Experiencing fear, I can learn why I respond that way. And ways to make fear far less consuming.