Don't be afraid.

Living is a great deal more than simply not dying. It is carrying out a mission, committing oneself to fashion some meaning that will attain eternity. –Leonardo Boff


When asked, “What are you afraid of?” we offer a myriad of answers: snakes, spiders, flying in an airplane. But when pressed, many people, believers and non-believers alike, will admit that the one thing they fear most, at the core of their being, is death.

Most of us enjoy having control over our lives, and frankly, we have very little control over, or way of knowing, how or when our earthly journey will end. And we have even fewer concrete answers about what will happen next. We have the profession of our faith and the occasional “crossing-over” story—but. No wonder death is near the top of that list.

But sometimes, as I look around, it seems like people are less fearful about dying—and more afraid of living. Really cutting loose and enjoying our time together as human beings privileged to live in God’s amazing world.

It’s rumored that in Scripture one can find the words, “Fear not” (or something similar) 365 times, once for each day of the year. I have not counted, nor do I intend to. But these words are important. They are the keystone of God’s promise, often stated this way: Don’t be afraid, because the Lord is with you. Not just when we are behaving well, or having a “good hair” day. God is with us 24/ 7/ 365. With a promise like that, don’t be afraid. Get out there; let your light so shine and your joy be so obvious that all who see you will desire to know—more.

Monday Pray today for those who are struggling with pain or illness. Call or write a note as you are led. Isaiah 43:1-3

Tuesday
Listen today for the happy sounds of kids being kids. Give thanks for their lives. Pray for their caregivers and families. Genesis 26:24-25

Wednesday Nothing lifts the heart like music. Today, turn on the radio or a CD. Crank it up, sing, dance, move—enjoy. (No one is watching. Honest.) Psalm 27:1

Thursday Make time today to journal about a time when you were afraid and God was faithful (even if it didn’t seem so at the time). Share if you are led. Jeremiah 1:4-8

Friday Consciously, deliberately engage in a random act of kindness (or three). Even better if you don’t get caught. Matthew 8:23-27

Saturday As you pray for yourself, seek to articulate and understand what is holding you back from truly living and enjoying life. Before God, name your deepest fear. Rest. Psalm 111:10

Sunday Enter the House of the Lord with praise and thanksgiving! Don’t be afraid, for God is with us. Philippians 4:4-7



Fear less, hope more. Eat less, chew more. 
Whine less, breathe more. Talk less, say more. 
Hate less, love more, and all good things are yours. – Swedish proverb

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