FEAR

“So first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
This was one of the most memorable parts of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inaugural presidential speech. I could quote it even before I knew who said it.  President Roosevelt came into office when the US was in recession; a very bleak time in the country.  I’m sure he was tempted to sweeten his speech with sentimental words or paint a rosy picture, a façade of the nation at the time…. but it would be false.   Fear forces us to twist the truth, become who we are not, often leading to a slow, excruciating death of who we were called to be.  How often have we lied to ourselves and others for fear of facing the truth? Better to face fear in the face than hide behind lies.  We are stronger when we face the fear.    


Fear of the dark
Gremlins, goblins, ghosts
Hiding, whispering, plotting
In my head, in my dreams
They live, breathe, take over
 
Fear of the sea
Lady of the lake, Loreley, Leviathan,
Hypnotizing, alluring, killing
In my thoughts, in my wake
They wait, fester, consume
 
Fear of the past
Bad decisions, bitter memories
Harrowing, taunting, crippling
In my present, in my head
They infringe, whisper, suffocate
 
Fear of people
Rogues, robbers, reapers
Hating scheming, lying
In my view, in my space
They hover, surround, multiply.  
 
Fear of who I have become
Reborn, redeemed, receptive
Living, loving, learning
In my footsteps, in my shadow,  
They retreat, quiver, disappear
 
Fear of the future
Unstoppable, Unreadable, Unpredictable
Advancing, ascending, acknowledging
In His image, in His presence
They watch, in disbelief, denial
 
Fear. No more.     Nike Campbell-Fatoki © 2013(picture courtesy of www.technorati.com)