Facing Fear
My daughter and I go on a date once a month and talk about issues that relate to transitioning into womanhood. It is an evening we both treasure. This month our topic was on courage.
We began our date with a self defense class. The instructor explained that 75% of defense is prevention-good posture, good eye contact and walking with purpose down the middle of the sidewalk all say, "I'm not a victim. Don't mess with me." The rest of the evening was spent learning maneuvers that could free us from an attacker's grip. Let's just say my daughter is now the one to be feared walking down a dark alley!
Over the course of the evening, our conversation centered on summoning courage to act wisely in the midst of fear. The book we are using offered an interesting perspective on fear, one I had never considered:
Fear is an acknowledgment that something-or someone-has power over us. We're not afraid of a teacup poodle, but we're afraid of a pit bull. The difference is how we've assessed their power over us. A pit bull can hurt us. A teacup poodle is just cute."
(from Queen Esther's Secrets of Womanhood by Ginger Garrett, p. 95)
What do you fear? What have you acknowledged as having power over you? Does it truly have power over you or is your fear irrational?
Because of the tools we learned at the self defense class, our fear has been lessened. Knowledge is power. Since we now possess the ability to escape the clutches of an attacker, his power over us is neutralized. We feel empowered rather than powerless.
What actions can you take to increase your knowledge, thereby lessening the grip of fear in your life?