A zoo attendant entered a lion cage carrying only a broom. He casually swept with no concern for the wild animal. He even poked the big cat with his broom. The lion hissed at him and moved to another corner of the enclosure. An onlooker remarked "You certainly are brave." The sweeping man chuckled and said, "I ain't brave, that old cat ain't got no teeth."
In situations where there's not much danger, bravery comes easily. However, most of us face some very scary stuff. Having a sick child or losing your home, your income, your health, or your spouse can be terrifying. In circumstances like these, we can feel alone and vulnerable.
Children who feel that way curl up with a soft blanket or a cuddly teddy bear and feel more secure. But what can adults with big problems cling to? We need more than a piece of cloth or a toy to calm our fears.
When I'm scared, there are two sayings I like to remember: "To be afraid is to believe in evil more than you believe in God," and "Courage is fear that has said its prayers."
Many people think being brave means having no fear, but courage is actually continuing on, in spite of fear. Those who believe that God is ultimately in control can trust Him to do the worrying.
When facing fear, if we don't turn to God, we're missing out. He can provide the courage we need. "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
(Psalm 31:24).
I taught my grandson this Bible verse: "When I am afraid, I will trust in thee." (Psalm 56:3) We sing it at bedtime to calm his fear of closet monsters, but this simple verse applies to my adult-sized fears as well. When anxiety descends like a heavy fog, these nine words can release fear's choke hold.
When the lions in life bare their teeth, I tell God my worries. Then I put my hope in Him. Remembering that He's with me calms my anxious thoughts. Revelation 5:5 says Jesus is the Lion from the tribe of Judah. A lion may be the king of the jungle, but Jesus is the king of kings. (Revelation 19:16) He is strong and mighty. He is never afraid. He is greater than the lions.
Author Marsha Jordan is founder of a nonprofit charity called Hugs and Hope for Sick Children (http://www.hugsandhope.org). More of her articles on depression are in her book, Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter, a compilation of essays illustrated with drawings by critically ill children. Filled with hilarious commentary and practical tips for coping with life's hardships, Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter brings hope to the hurting and would make a great gift for anyone who could use a pick me up. Best of all, proceeds will benefit the sick kids of The Hugs and Hope Club (http://www.hugsandhope.org). Other similar essays in the book include, "More Than I Can Handle," "Ten Tips For Beating Depression," "Why Doesn't God Answer My Prayer?" and "What Did I Do To Deserve This?"
To order a book or to learn more, visit http://www.hugsandhope.org/book.htm
What is Stigma? Stigma is the use of stereotypes and... Read More
Countless number of patients and their family members have asked... Read More
1.Remember that it is an illness:Clinical depression often requires medical... Read More
Why are these illnesses on the rise? And why do... Read More
Depression is something that will occur in many people's lives,... Read More
Maria has been feeling depressed for at least two and... Read More
Lifetime Prevalence of Depression and the Age-of-Onset Report Distributions of... Read More
Sometimes it's hard to see the forest from the trees.... Read More
According to the World Health Organization, 4 of the 10... Read More
1. Get out now and walk fifteen minutes. It will... Read More
I felt cold, my body was stiff and my back... Read More
Approximately 19 million American adult workers allow depression to limit... Read More
Looking to improve your mood?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker, author... Read More
Depression can have many, many faces. If you are not... Read More
THE RISKAccumulation of acids in your body, due to insufficient... Read More
On September 1st, the efficacy and safety of vagus nerve... Read More
Being lonely is a normal part of our everyday lives...... Read More
The cover of the March 7, 2005 issue of Business... Read More
A zoo attendant entered a lion cage carrying only a... Read More
There is an illness all around me in modern society... Read More
The September 1, 2005 issue of Biological Psychiatry confirmed the... Read More
Suresh was a worried person when he came to me... Read More
While war and poor economic conditions begin to affect people... Read More
There are Many Resources for Online Suicide HelpFirst of all,... Read More
IntroductionChange in social and economical states throughout the world although... Read More
Depression is the most prevalent disease of our time. Under... Read More
It has just been announced, after a study by a... Read More
It seems unreal, another major storm hitting Florida after experiencing... Read More
Have you read the famous quote, "Every struggle is a... Read More
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic or Treatment-Resistant Depression About Vagus... Read More
Depression is a serious issue. There are simply hundreds of... Read More
While it may be easy to recite the various brand... Read More
On February 3, 2005 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration... Read More
When we have depression, one of the things we drop... Read More
When most people hear the words American Indian, visions of... Read More
Our innate desire is to be happy, and when we... Read More
Looking for a way to reduce the amount of worrying... Read More
When a person undertakes a course of therapy through their... Read More
Depression is the most prevalent of all the emotional disorders.... Read More
Cardiologists, other doctors and long term care staff might be... Read More
What can you say to a parent who loses a... Read More
When artiste Leslie Cheung committed suicide, he left behind a... Read More
Nancy was doing very well until about two years ago... Read More
Everyone has days when they are down, worn out and... Read More
We all have days when we are down, worn out... Read More
Neurotransmitters (NTs) are essential chemical messengers that regulate brain, muscle,... Read More
The 'experts' have tried to evaluate me as a sufferer... Read More
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Treatment-Resistant Depression About Vagus Nerve... Read More
While depression is a growing epidemic in western society, it... Read More
A new research study has again shown that a diet... Read More
Being lonely is a normal part of our everyday lives.... Read More
If you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (also known as... Read More
Life wasn't easy for cave men. They had to hunt... Read More
Do you blame your past, your family, your partner, your... Read More
World Health Organisation states one out of four worldwide suffer... Read More
Approximately 19 million American adult workers allow depression to limit... Read More
Since Dr Malcolm Peet, a consultant psychiatrist at Sheffield swallow... Read More
I'm sure at times of deep crisis many of you... Read More
Depression is the most prevalent disease of our time. Under... Read More
Everyone feels down or blue once in awhile. Especially during... Read More
It may come in waves, it may control our lives.... Read More
Being lonely is a normal part of our everyday lives.... Read More
On June 15th, 2004, FDA's Medical Devices Panel recommended that... Read More
During the assessment process it is of great importance for... Read More
There are many things that happen within the body when... Read More
My definition of procrastination is that a person delays and... Read More
Depression |