souldare

 . . . in God I trust; I am not afraid. (Psalm 56:11a NRSV)

Over and over a common phrase is heralded to those who played a role in the unveiling of Christ’s arrival: “Do not fear.” What was common to each person’s experience that they needed angelic reassurance that everything was going to be okay. I’m pretty sure just meeting an angel would be cause for fear, awe, trembling and distress. But below the surface is there something more? What was behind their need for assurance?

We ask questions: “Am I getting “it” right?” “Am I making progress?” “Am I likeable, lovable?” “Am I fun to be around?” “Am I valued, valuable?” “Am I okay?” “Am I enough?”

When I tell myself I am less than, I begin to spiral into doubts and insecurities. When I trust that I am loved and lovely and loving, then I soar. I soar with the GREAT I AM beneath my wings, assured that I have nothing to fear.

When I trust the GREAT CREATOR of the UNIVERSE, I am not afraid.

When I experience death, I get angry, depressed and lose hope.

When I choose to celebrate the life given, and enjoy the now, I find hope in the midst of despair. The pain of death isn’t removed, I just find ways to trust the GOOD that is all around me, even in the midst of brokenness and failure to live at peace with one another.

I am not always, not afraid. I need the reassurances, too. Maybe you need a word of encouragement, like I do. I invite you to listen for the whisper, for the song, for the angelic chorus repeating the words : “Do not fear . . .”

ADVENT{ure} PROMPT #8

Take five minutes or so and respond to both of these prompts:

I am . . .

I am not  . . .

After you finish, note if anything surprises you or leads you to further exploration of the topic. Reflect on those thoughts, too.