Fear Not

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Our world is a marketplace of fear.  On this Halloween and in the closing days of a virulent political campaign, I wanted to remind you of the power of faith, hope, and love in the face of our deepest fears.

"And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13, NRSV).

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18)


Slaying Dragons
Fear’s toxic breath fills the air
Permeating every corner of life.
Gaining power
As Panic, Fear’s lackey,
Unleashes its menacing talons 
Attempting to choke out life in its grasp.

Despite its apparent strength
This invisible dragon,
The world’s one true foe,
Can be slain
Through the power of choice,
Freedom’s first fruit.

Do not fear;
Choose to live
In the face of the beast.
Steal its power;
Stifle its incessant noise;
End its tyrannical reign.

Fear no longer has a foothold 
On those who choose to live
Courageously,
With eyes of hope,
Full of faith.
Behold, the dragon now silenced.
                                  -- Brian Shivers

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