What are you afraid of?

I could make a list of my own fears, but I’m afraid of how long it might be.

Somedays I’m literally shaking in my shoes, but much of the time I think I’m being affected by fear and don’t even realize it.

I did some research and came across these great stats from http://www.statisticbrain.com/fear-phobia-statistics/

1. Did you know that 60% of the things we fear will never actually take place?

“What if Bird Flu becomes a pandemic and kills us all?” or  “What if I accidentally cuss in the middle of my sermon?”

From the serious to the silly, we spend too much energy obsessing on “what if’s” that never transpire.

2. 30% of the things we fear are things that already happened and can’t be changed.

“I can’t get the moment of the car accident out of my head” or “I remember that day I slept through my final exam!”

It just goes to show how tangible and sticky fear can be.  For some strange reason, we can’t always let go of it, even when we ought to feel free to move on.

3. 88% of the health-related things we fear will never come to pass.

“I hope I don’t have a stroke” or “When I get older, will I lose all my teeth?”

Instead of living a healthy life now, some of us worry too much about what might happen, then.

4. 90% of the things we fear are considered to be insignificant issues.

“What if I forget so-and-so’s name?”  or “What if I’m 5 minutes late to class?”

These are the kinds of fears that we won’t even remember tomorrow, let alone a year from now.  And still, we give them so much attention.

So what is to be done?

I can think of three things that can effectively KILL fear: LOVE, FAITH, and ADVENTURE.

Love is palpable and powerful.  Instead of dwelling on fear, dwell on the names of your children or your partner.  Show love to a stranger.  The more you practice love, the less room there is in your heart for fear.

Faith is strong and directional.  Instead of shrinking in terror, step out in faith!  Go where Jesus would go!  Do what Jesus would do! The more you practice faith, the less room there is in your soul for fear.

Adventure is risky and hopeful.  Embark on a holy quest! Explore!  Undertake something meaningful and hazardous, and find your true focus again, as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  The more you practice Adventure, the more the rewards to your whole being, and fear becomes an afterthought.

The next time you notice fear rearing its ugly head with something,

stop shaking in your shoes…

and give fear the boot.

Have a good week,

Mitch