There are times that I really worry about what lies ahead, times that seem more frequent since finding out that I'll soon become a grandfather. What will the world be like for little Amelia? What will she and those of her age face?
You read the headlines, you watch the news, you hear what's happening to loved ones, to coworkers, to friends and it can become a source for some serious anxiety.
Where does one go to find a balm? Where can one flee to find relief and hope? What do you do to face this fear?
The Vicar of Christ has an answer:
In the Gospel Jesus continuously repeats: Be not afraid, be not afraid. Why does He repeat that so often? Because He knows that fear is “normal”. We are afraid of life, of challenges. We also know fears before God. Everyone is afraid. Everyone. So you don’t have to worry. You should ask yourself why you are afraid, before God, before yourself. You should learn to delineate your fear, because there is good and bad fear. Good fear is like prudence, a careful attitude. Bad fear is fear that limits you. It makes you small. It paralyses you, prevents you from doing things. You must lose that fear.
That's helpful.
I've been able to overcome my bad fears but I find that they return so I don't think you can come to me for complete answers on this.
What you'll hear from me though is that my anxiety, my bad fears and worries, lessen the more I put myself in the presence of God.
How do I do that?
Seeking and finding God in the Eucharist. Praying the rosary. Trying hard (and failing admittedly more times than not) to see Christ in others. Serving Him. Listening to the faithful. Reading inspiring words of conversion. Going to confession. Blogging about all of these things.
My bad fears do indeed seem to melt away when I'm actively attempting to embrace my Catholicism.
In essence, relief comes by practicing my religion, by exercising my faith.
It's probably counterintuitive to say and some in the faith may find it problematic but for me, the bad fear and anxiety I face too often are guard rails forcing me back on to the road of faith, reminding me of my need for God.
What, if you're still reading, triggered these thoughts?
The Anchoress, who while engaged with a friend facing his own fears, advised him to get a crucifix and to “study the crucifix while pondering the words of Julian of Norwich.”
She's a wise one that Anchoress.
Carry on readers and know that all shall be well.
