Good evening,I'm bumping this up. Let me know your response. I first posted this 3/16/11. I found it among the dusty bins here, in the inn.
Facing Fear
I'm grateful I face my fears. When I do, the thing that causes dread usually
disappears. I like the following:
In the face of seemingly impossible problems, it is easy to believe that our most negative thoughts reflect the truth. They plead the worst case scenario in a very convincing way, until it almost seems frivolous to consider a positive outcome. Yet the loudest voice is not necessarily the truest.
No matter how insistent a feeling may be, it is just a feeling, not a prophecy. We don't get to know today what will happen tomorrow. Counting on any particular outcome can lead to disappointment, but sometimes it helps remembering that a positive outcome is just a likely as a negative one....
"Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand, that you may believe, but believe, that you may understand."
Transcending Self-Imposed LimitationsAurelius Augustinius
Many of our happiest moments occur when faith enables us to transcend self-imposed limitations. Often, worry and fear hold us back. Faith is one antidote to paralyzing perfectionism and worry.
There is joy when we encounter unexpected positive results. This is true whether it be sports, success with a difficult project or an unfamiliar task. It helps trying our best, trusting God for the results."Courage [and faith] faces fear and thereby masters it."
Receiving Support
Enjoying a loving community helps, too:
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
I appreciate the support I receive from long-established, non-Facebook friends. My friendships are more than a contact. They connect with me, frequently, we are a part of fabric of one another's life. We are vulnerable with each other. When I fall, they are there for me, and I, for them.12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
How About You?
1. What helps you overcome fear?
2. When was the last time you transcended your self-imposed limitations?
3. What do you look for in your community of friends?
May you have a great and grateful week,
The Innkeeper
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3 comments:
I am currently facing the fears of my childhood. Learning to become stronger and find solutions verses complaining. I will no longer allow myself to be imprisoned by my past, rather rewrite my past for a better future. I will surround myself with people that are emotionally healthy and positive in order to move towards a life that I have always dreamed of having. Take my fears on one at a time and gain strength through my accomplishments.
Tracy,
You don't know how much I appreciate comments from visitors to this inn. Thanks for dropping by, reading and commenting.
Remember, you are not alone; you have my support and that of your good friends. I'm in total agreement with your attitude. Another person who will stay with you is God. We can't do much apart from His strength, comforting presence and love.
Being whole, spiritually, empowers us and allows us to handle life, with all of its challenges.
Dear Innkeeper,
My gratitudes for this Tuesday night are;
1. Grateful I could watch a very interesting movie with my #3 son last night; for some Father/Son bonding time. It was "The Company You Keep," with Robert Redford, Susan Sarandon, Shia Labouf, and an all-star cast of excellent old-timer actors. An engaging story, if you have not seen it yet.
2. While frantically trying to leave SF today to get to South S.F. by 10:30 AM for a drop-in meeting with a customer, a small, still voice reminded me that I needed to BE IN THE CITY to meet with another restaurant manager by/before 11:00 AM; a pre-arranged appointment! Wow, what a blessing to get that subtle, spiritual reminder, and just in the nick of time! Slowing down to THINK, allowed that "voice" to be heard!
3. Grateful my bald, high-tech genius Irish friend and neighbor, Peter will come over tomorrow to fix my laptop; long overdue! This, my weekly meeting with wife and son, and busy work schedule has caused me to reschedule regular fellowship with my friend and mentor. Hopefully we will get together later in the week.
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