A Nation Driven By Fear?

Windows shattered.  Cars burning.  Trash scattered.  Unkind words spoken.  Protestors clash.  Million-women march for equality.   Protest signs.  Media bias.  Fake news.  Boycotts. Fights.  Arrests. 

So much can be said about this past election cycle and the inauguration of our 45^th President, Donald Trump.  It is unlike many of us have ever seen before.  The divisiveness led the way as Americans clashed over who should be our nations president. 

Fear seems to permeate our nation.  Our 32^nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed in his 1933 inaugural addressed that the, “Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”  Fear prevents us to trust and to be calm and it drives a wedge between sanity and security.  Fear opens the door to unrest and anxiety.  Fear looks to protect ones own interest and will do whatever is necessary to win the battle of the unknown.

“The disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”  But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”  Matthew 14:24-27

Just like the disciples of Jesus, when we see or hear something that is out of the norm, the first reaction at times is to fear the unknown.  For the disciples, fear thought Jesus was a ghost.  It does make sense a bit that they would be afraid of seeing something from the distance walking on the water.  After all, it is not every day that a human walks on the water.  Jesus calms their fear by revealing who he was and that everything is going to be okay. 

Change also causes fear.  No matter if it is a change in a job or a change in the President of the United States, it brings about uncertainty that raises one’s level of fear.  For some, change is ok as long as it is communicated well and there is time to adjust.  For others, if the change means a new political structure that does not fit one’s belief system, then fear sets in and actions to protects the personal belief system takes place.  Rationalizing change is not an easy task for many and the only way some know how to express his or her fear is through protesting, rioting, marching, or boycotting. 

We live in a nation where protecting, marching and boycotting is acceptable as long as it does not include rioting or causing harm on anyone else.  It is one thing to march against a president that one disagrees with peacefully; it is a whole new ballgame whenever windows are busted and cars are set on fire.  There is no place in our nation for such abusive actions. 

Not everyone will agree with the president.  Not everyone will agree with his/her boss, husband, wife, or the preacher.  It is how we disagree that is crucial for the betterment of our communities, States and nation as a whole.  If we are driven by fear, then nothing rational can be accomplished.  If we can sit down and discuss our differences in a calming and mature manner, then fear loses out and commonsense behavior wins.  Remember, the “Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself” 

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian