As we approach Halloween, I cannot escape noticing symbols of fear portrayed in a fun way. Walk through a housing area and notice the zombies, ghosts, witches and spiders. I recently saw a t-shirt I need to get for my daughter that read, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself … and spiders.”
This time of year can be enjoyable as we make fun of the things we ourselves are afraid of. What are you afraid of?
As the installation Family Life chaplain, I am privileged to walk with people and help them with their real fears and trauma – life-altering fears that are sometimes debilitating. In real life, I witness couples dealing with life’s fears, such as: What will our kids turn out to be? Are we failing as parents? How can we survive that affair? There is nothing we can do about this illness. What do you mean I’m being medically chaptered!?
Real life fears are not fun and, at times, they make it feel like it is hard to breathe, sleep, eat or even live. This is real life. Another factor of fear is the feeling of being alone in your “darkness” and the idea that no one else can understand your pain.
Often, I watch in pain as people turn away from the help they need during their time of hurt. Hear this! You are only alone if you allow yourself to be. The chaplains on Fort Huachuca are here to care for you and your Family.
More importantly, hear these words from God himself, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5, Hebrews 13:5, NIV). I love the truth in that. God himself is personally talking to you. He will never leave you; no condition exists to make him leave or abandon you.
Friend, many of you have experienced abandonment from Family, friends or leaders; but God has never left and will never leave you. Even when you can’t see tomorrow, remember, He has already seen it and has prepared everything you need for it. When you don’t understand, it’s OK, but be still and trust in Him; fears will be shattered, and then healing can come. So I ask again, “What are you afraid of?”
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)
As we approach Halloween, I cannot escape noticing symbols of fear portrayed in a fun way. Walk through a housing area and notice the zombies, ghosts, witches and spiders. I recently saw a t-shirt I need to get for my daughter that read, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself … and spiders.”
This time of year can be enjoyable as we make fun of the things we ourselves are afraid of. What are you afraid of?
As the installation Family Life chaplain, I am privileged to walk with people and help them with their real fears and trauma – life-altering fears that are sometimes debilitating. In real life, I witness couples dealing with life’s fears, such as: What will our kids turn out to be? Are we failing as parents? How can we survive that affair? There is nothing we can do about this illness. What do you mean I’m being medically chaptered!?
Real life fears are not fun and, at times, they make it feel like it is hard to breathe, sleep, eat or even live. This is real life. Another factor of fear is the feeling of being alone in your “darkness” and the idea that no one else can understand your pain.
Often, I watch in pain as people turn away from the help they need during their time of hurt. Hear this! You are only alone if you allow yourself to be. The chaplains on Fort Huachuca are here to care for you and your Family.
More importantly, hear these words from God himself, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5, Hebrews 13:5, NIV). I love the truth in that. God himself is personally talking to you. He will never leave you; no condition exists to make him leave or abandon you.
Friend, many of you have experienced abandonment from Family, friends or leaders; but God has never left and will never leave you. Even when you can’t see tomorrow, remember, He has already seen it and has prepared everything you need for it. When you don’t understand, it’s OK, but be still and trust in Him; fears will be shattered, and then healing can come. So I ask again, “What are you afraid of?”
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)