I woke up today to learn about a friend who just lost his job and who, with his new wife, has to vacate his apartment and move in with his parents. I was contemplating this loss and my sadness for him as I sat at my computer in my office at home. My heart full of sorrow for him. My office was silent, except for the clicking of my computer keys. Then, out of nowhere, a voice behind me said, "Hi, how are you?" I jumped nearly a foot out of my chair. As it turns out, my own wife had forgotten to tell me that the house cleaners were coming today and that they would let themselves in with their own key. Now, here's the thing, I am not a generally fearful person. I don't jump very often when I watch a movie that's scary, or get bad news...
What am I rambling on about? I think there is a sometimes a connection between sadness and fear. When we are sad we are more prone to being afraid. When we are afraid, it is often a result of some depressing situation that we are dealing with. I wish I understood synaptic neurological psychological programming of the human brain enough to know if there is any scientific proof for my newfound theory.
As I have observed the recent downturn of our economy in America, I have wondered about the connection between sadness and fear. People are hurting, so they become afraid about their lives and then they lash out.
The Bible says, "there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made in perfect love." (1 John 18)
I suppose the simple remedy for fear then, is to reach beyond sadness, somehow, and look for perfect love. Jesus Christ is perfect love. He is the only one who has ever been perfect. He is the only one who has perfectly loved us. Knowing how to embrace perfect love, however, is another question.
For now, I will try to remember whom I have given the key to my house, and when I they might be stepping into my office unannounced.
All for Now,
GB
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