She got trapped behind the burglar bars and scratched and spat as we tried to free her. I once tried to free a buck caught in wire but she kicked so vigorously I could do nothing. Her fear was basic. Everything else, even freedom, was secondary.
Yet we, humans, have to overcome our fear. While it is a life-preserving instinct it is also life-deadening. If fear rules us we may continue to exist but we will be stuck in one place unable to move. Jesus knows this and in countless places, for example Mark 6:50, says, do not be afraid. We have all had experience of fearful situations. We know the pull that draws us to avoid possible danger. I know how often I have shirked confrontation and conflict. Better to be safe than sorry.
Yet I also know that on the few occasions when I have found within myself the courage to say something or do something that is slightly risky I have experienced a sense of well being, liberation and even joy. I have done it; I have overcome something, achieved something.
I suppose that is why we love sport. We see these people on our screens struggling and sometimes overcoming huge obstacles and we sense thats it. That is what the best in life is all about: overcoming obstacles and the biggest of these is fear.
But this kind of victory over fear cannot be turned on like a tap. It cannot be taught or programmed. It takes time to know our fear, work against it and then conquer it. Why do people suddenly take to the streets of Cairo in peaceful protest in 2011 when they have never done so before? The answer seems to be that a combination of circumstances came together to enable those who had lived in fear to overcome their fear. The jubilation they experienced as a result was palpable and one can say with confidence they suddenly felt more human, more alive.
Yet this big victory only comes with many minor victories where I struggle each day to take risks and overcome my fears. Easily said but not so easily done. Though Jesus was strong in his passion and, at least in St Johns account, almost in charge, in Gethsemane he was gripped by fear, a sudden fear came over him (Mark 14; 33). In his prayer he overcame that fear and went to the cross with courage, even with joy (Hebrews 12:2).
Post published in: Opinions