FEAR - WHY?

Have you ever noticed how fear plays such a big part of our lives?

Religion: Often, in churches, we are taught to fear God, his wrath and the devil. Why is this? I feel it is because, as humans, we are motivated by fear. Why don't they teach about God's love, forgiveness and plan for each and every one of us? Instead..., do this or you will go to hell..., do that, or you will go to hell! How about, do this..., because it is the right thing to do! Teach God's love - not that we should believe in God out of fear! Don't fear or condemn people that have different religious beliefs than your own. We are all trying to reach the same glorious point in our lives - there are many paths available to us on this journey.

Fred Phelps - now that is one lost soul! Poor guy - he is so damn lost in his own hatred and misery!

Government: We go to war out of fear of the other country's religious beliefs, accepted social practices, political stances, etc..., anything that is different from our own. They are different from what we know or believe..., so, we should fear them. We, as a society, could learn a vast amount from studying other cultures. Stepping outside our own beliefs and take a good long look at other point's of view.

Certain politicians fill us with fear - so that we will buy into their spun webs of deceit. SHAME! Try the truth for a change - not all Americans are deaf, dumb and blind!

Note: It's easy for the U.S. to go to war, I believe, because we have not had a war on our own turf! May be quite humbling to be invaded by another country - get a good taste for what we have been handing out to others. I don't want a war on our soil - I don't want a war on any one's soil! War is inexplicably devastating, on so many levels! We are not always right!

Failure: How many of my friends admit that failure is their biggest fear. Why? Are they afraid of being embarrassed? Failure can be one of the most humbling, learning experiences that any of us can experience. Besides, if we fear failing - we will never try anything new, anything that might involve risk, personal sacrifice, egg on the face, etc.... We might not succeed if we don't fail! I have tried and failed at so many different things, that the thought of failing at something new, doesn't even cross my mind anymore. I don't consider my past experiences as failures, though; they are just learning experiences. I know damn well, that I wouldn't be who I am today - if I hadn't made the choices and mistakes in my past. It's all part of the life journey. However, I know that I have broken some hearts on my life's journey and for that, I will be eternally sorry.

Success: On the flip side - there is the fear of success. This particular fear can be as overwhelming as failure. Some people don't have a healthy respect for success; they will run over anyone and anything in their quest to succeed. Only to get to the top, alone..., alone, lost and empty! Void of humility; their souls often being sold along the way. They will abandon their friends and family - for the almighty ME!

Alone: Some fear being all alone in the world. Sometimes we need a long period of being alone to remember who we are, what is important to us and find out which path we are supposed to be taking at the moment. Yes..., getting sidetracked off of the path, happens; however, a good long look at where we have been can be quite refreshing. Empty your suitcase, do some laundry and pack for the next big adventure!

Blame: I call these people blame shifters - place blame on someone or something else instead of taking responsibility for your own actions. How many people have I ran into, over the course of my life, who would rather die than say, "I'm sorry..., I made a mistake!" OR "Wow, I really screwed that up!" OR "That's my bad..., that was all me!" I have found that if you readily admit your mistakes, you will gain more respect from your peers and make them feel more comfortable about admitting their own mistakes.

A good friend can always make you feel better. I have one particular friend in mind, Dawn, who is 17 years my junior. Besides for my wife, Dawn is the type of woman that would say, "Damn..., that sure was fun! At least we went down together, Paula!" Dawn and my wife don't blame shift - never ever! Dawn is one of the most sincere, truthful and loving young women that I have met in years. God bless her; about sixty days until her wedding to Chris. I absolutely can't wait to attend this, long overdue event! I'm so proud of her.