notes to self 11
11- Do not fear anything that is frightening.
I sat in the dark last night, listening to my 8 and 10 year olds fall asleep. I sang our usual songs and then I silently cried for those parents still waiting for news about their 8 and 10 year olds. More tears fell this morning after I hugged my girls and watched them walk into school. I struggle to find words. All that comes to mind as I hear news unfold is “Lord, have mercy.” This morning, as I rode the subway home from drop-off, a verse came to mind. The second half of 1 Peter 3:6 says “Do not fear anything that is frightening.” @jackiehillperry talked about this verse sometime last fall and it has stuck with me ever since. It is a comfort as it doesn’t pretend that things aren’t scary. There are actually frightening things out there and I don’t have to pretend there aren’t. But I’m not to fear. I’m constantly amazed how many times the Bible commands to not fear. I need to hear it all the time. I have to remind myself constantly why and how I am not to fear. There is hope.