FEAR

Fear, which we are all feeling during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been described as False Evidence Appearing Real.  That at least makes me stop and look at what’s screaming at me and tempting me to panic or freeze. It helps identify the evidence, which may be real but still has to be faced and dealt with in a calm, collected and sane manner.
 
Fear can be faced with complete calm and logic when our souls are trained ahead of time.  My definition of “soul” is my mind, will, and emotions. What I have in my ‘heart’ or soul, will automatically come out when I am attacked by fear. My favourite example is that of body guards who are trained to jump up instead of down when gun fire goes off.  A simulator will train a pilot to experience everything that can go wrong. IF the time comes, there may be natural fear, but it’s quickly and easily overcome by the mind, will, and emotion so disaster is avoided. 
 
Fear of the virus can be dealt with in the soul by looking at a different description of the acronym COVID, sent to me by a friend down east, which is Christ Over Viruses, Infections and Death!  That means we have been through our simulator of Biblical principles that cause us to obey the laws of the land and submit to those in authority over us, but we don’t accept or live in fear in our minds, wills, and emotions. 
 
My favourite “Fear Not” verses with what’s happening right now are Christ-quotes:
 
-“Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.”  Matthew 10:26 
We hear so many ‘conspiracy theories’ and we don’t know what the truth about this virus is.  We can only wait and see knowing that truth eventually comes out
 
 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 
Since my soul is saved and heaven is my home when I die, I don’t have to fear the ultimate, eternal death.  
 
My favourite other verses are:
-“He (God) will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
When you are in business, like we are, the discouragement comes from facing financial slowdowns and not knowing when the market will open for our tourist customers. Since I have no control over that I’m looking at what I do have control over.  And you are witnessing that as a reader of this blog. 
 
I can be in my happy place writing, sharing, pondering, meditating, and illustrating with art for a creative expression that is relaxing and satisfying. Whether anyone reads them or not, responds or not, or even makes derogatory comments from differing viewpoints, doesn’t matter.  I have nothing to be afraid of when I’m operating in faith and exercising my natural gifts.  My confidence is that “this too shall pass.” Fear not, Linda!   

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