When I'm afraid

Fear is a natural human response to a variety of situations.  Some situations we make out to be worse than they truly are.  When afraid many simply hunker down and wait for the thing which is causing the fear to pass.  This is a technique that I used often in times past.  I found that this was successful in some instances but not in most. 

Even with these experiences, my habits lead me to the same responses which in turn lead to more unresolved issues.  When I found myself beyond frustrated I would often have to take a hard look at the man in the mirror and admit that I had 'done it again'.  Done what you ask, the same thing I often did when I was afraid, use the same tools to handle the situation but somehow expected a uniquely different outcome.

Did I really expect a different outcome or was I just wildly hoping it would be different?  Once when I was younger I was with a close friend of mine, there were always dogs roaming free in our neighborhood.  In times past, I had always selected the option to run which meant a fun chase for the dog and another screaming from the top of my lungs experience for me! 

One day my dad saw me running fron a ~20 pound dog.  After laughing he told me to do the opposite of what my body was telling me to do because if I stood my ground I would be communicating to the dog that I too was willing to fight for my space.

Naturally the day came when my friend and I were faced with yet another dog delima. This time it was a snarling 80 pound brown & black German Shepard.  As the dog approached I remembered my dads words and  told my friend not to run.  My friend looked at me and then the dog and realized I could not protect him and so he raaaannnnn as fast as he could.  I stood there motionless but ready to sacrifice my 'weak' arm for the dog to tear into.

To my surprise the dog looked at me but ran straight past me after my friend who at this point was yelling at the top of his lungs looking for the nearest tree of fence.  This taught me that there are instances in life even though I am afraid, I have to seek other advice and be willing to stand up, fight and do something different.  I have had many experiences with dogs running at me since then and never have I ran.  Thus far it has worked but I imagine there may come a time when I need to rethink my methodology.

Are you at a place where you need to rethink the way you handle fear?


I John 4:18 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. ¹⁹ We love Him because He first loved us. (NKJV)

Blessings,
-d

P.s. My friend escaped without any harm