A. W. Woodburne 1947 M.D. THINK -Fear

[JBKlyde]

Absolute freedom from fear is neither possible or desirable. Fear is necessary for the preservation of life. Fear of communicable diseases, fear of the consequences of crime, fear of ignorance as well as "the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom ", are all beneficial fears.

It is the pathological, poisonous fears and phobias that confuse and enervate and result in neurotic bodies, unstable minds and lost morale from which we need freedom. Silly superstitions still breed timidity. Quakery still fosters and fattens on foolish fears. An authority lists the most common fears as, fear of insanity, fear of high places, fear of close places, fear of death, fear of failure, fear of animals, fear of being conspicuous, fear of the dark. Being "scared to death" is possible but infrequent. Yet panic during fires kill many stampeding for exits. Paradoxically, fear of truth keeps some, who suspect cancer, from there doctor till it's too late. Fear of loosing faith closes some minds to to facts. Superb physical courage often overrides fear as demonstrated by the soldier in war and by policemen and detectives and firemen and sailors and airmen. Among-st them are some who though fear-filled, as faithfully face their fate.

But moral courage is more rare and more difficult to practice than physical courage. The Bible tells us that "fear hath torment, but perfect love casteth out fear." So if we would terminate tormenting timidity we simply must quit hating and suspecting people and live lovingly, because "Love thinketh no evil, hopeth all things, endureth all things, and never fails." Giving lip service to the golden rule is not enough, for in actual practice it means having in us it's spirit and the courage to carry it out in daily life.

"And perfect love casteth out fear." Cultivating wholesome fears and conquering corroding fears spells progress in religious life. Are we progressing?? Think it over.

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