Don't Be Afraid

Personally, I love Halloween. I have enjoyed the holiday as far back as I can remember. Trick-or-treating while visiting my cousins in St. Louis was amazing! My uncle was very strategic. He would take us to the best neighborhoods where every house was a jackpot. My cousin was strategic as well. She discovered early on that people would hand out more candy if we did something unique. One year we sang “Witchy Woman” at every house. I really don’t recall if the song truly produced more candy or not.

As an adult, I realize that Halloween brings out the crazies—keep your black cats indoors—but I still think celebrating the holiday is harmless. I’m super excited for Kayla. This is the first year she’ll really grasp the idea of people giving her candy! She’s been practicing her “boo!”

My friends and I recently went on our annual adventure to a haunted house. Every year we try to increase the intensity and have lately gone to Kansas City. This year we went to one with a horror film theme. I was so proud of myself—didn’t even scream once. Somehow I maintained my composure even in the face of Freddy Krueger. However, I am not fearless. Lately God and I have been working on a fear that’s been plaguing me and revealing a distrust I have of my savior.

Out of curiosity, I looked up the definitions of “scared” and “afraid.” I get the impression one is deeper than the other. Being scared is a momentary fright done to you. Being afraid is more a state of mind. Maybe that’s why the angels never said, “Don’t be scared.” They always said, “Don’t be afraid.” I think they wanted the people they talked to have hope instead of just not be frightened in the moment.

I actually like being scared. After Kayla goes to bed tonight, I’m going to enjoy a horror movie I’ve been dying (haha) to see. But I hate living in dread.

God’s been soothing my heart through scripture. My favorite is 1 John 4:18, which says God’s love expels all fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 also brings comfort: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” I know a wonderful woman who is clinging to this verse like a clawed cat to a tree branch. It’s her hope and strength. It’s becoming mine as well.

So take my advice and wear a hat of faith this Halloween, not fear.

Hats off to you, my friend. I will write again, but until then...

hang on to your hat! ;-)