Fear. What do we fear? What do I fear? I am afraid of rejection.I am afraid of failure.I am afraid of humiliation.I am afraid of pain.I am afraid of sorrow.I am afraid of loving.I am afraid of the unknown. I think Florence Nightingale said it best; "How very little can be done under the spirit of fear." For fears to be all-consuming would cripple our lives: the quality, the experiences, the relationships. Constant stress and worry about which fear will overtake next detracts from the pleasure we should derive from the sheer joy of being alive. We have been given a gift. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One thing I am not afraid of, is dying. I don't think most people are afraid of dying "the act," but dying as a person to the outside world. We want to have an effect on our surroundings, to make a mark on the world and to be remembered. We have a fear of being forgotten. Let me introduce you to Zach. Zach Sobiech. He died, shortly after his 18th birthday, from cancer. He's gained a small following (seemingly minuscule next to pop "icons" like Lady Gaga), and it looks as if he is more famous after his death than before. I don't want to focus on his death, but his life (here is a video documentary about his life)
His life where he lived days to the fullest, not worrying which one would be his last. ("Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." Mt 25:13) I don't want to die while I'm still alive, by burying myself in a hole of fears. I want to live, joyfully. "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. 7Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
In the words of our dear Blessed Pope John Paul II: "Be not afraid."
I leave you with one last song from Zach as a reminder to live actively and joyfully.
"When I get back on land
Well I'll never get my chance
Be ready to live and it'll be ripped right out of my hands..."
