The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. (Roosevelt)
Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is. (German proverb).
It is inarguable that life always entails an element of risk. But along with the bad things, risk also brings us good. In this is I am wont to characterize myself as "pro-choice". In my view, fear - or happiness - is an individual choice. I choose not to compromise my own happiness obsessing about potential threats to my personal welfare.
Jesus presented this idea to his disciples...
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
In his recent General Conference address, Elder Bednar amplified this idea...
In our daily lives, endless reports of criminal violence, famine, wars, corruption, terrorism, declining values, disease, and the destructive forces of nature can engender fear and apprehension. Surely we live in the season foretold by the Lord: “And in that day … the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:26)....
Our works and desires alone do not and cannot save us. “After all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23), we are made whole only through the mercy and grace available through the Savior’s infinite and eternal atoning sacrifice. Certainly, “we believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3). (Elder David A. Bednar, April 2015)We will never satisfy the demands of our fears by assuming a hostile defensive attitude. This will only foster hatred and resentment.
Projecting our own fears against whoever seems to pose a potential threat only serves to polarize and justify the irrational. Paranoid delusions will have you imagining the boogie man lurking in every dark corner, but the real bad guys will more likely come from a surprise direction you never anticipated.
I’m always amazed by what women will do because they’re afraid.
Make no mistake. I am not advocating a wimpy passive acceptance of violence and aggression. We have an obligation to defend ourselves. But in the end, strong defense always has limits - there will always be someone that is physically superior.
The only way to succeed is found in ultimate promise from Jesus...
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
