The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy;

I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.

John 10:10 (New American Standard)

 

            Because of the pandemic, many people are feeling their way through a dark tunnel with little or no light for guidance. Where? How? When? Fill their minds. Changes may be necessary to move forward.

This blog post is a personal story and not easily written, but I tell it because I know what it is to have to change direction and face the unknown in order to not only survive, but to thrive.

            While packing to return to college, the activity couldn’t blot out my warring mind that seemed to scream, “Stop this insanity. You’re in trouble and nothing will change until the truth is faced.” Unknown to most people, since the age of 14, I’d dealt with a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a terrifying experience.  At the time counseling as we know it today was in its infancy and this type of illness called for hospitalization. Earlier a neurologist had given me the choice of returning to college or checking into the mental ward of the hospital. That night I decided that instead of returning to school I would face and deal with the fears. Though the hospital stay was challenging, living in the real world often proved to be even more of a test.

            While battling the fears in those earlier years, decisions often centered around staying with the familiar or moving ahead into the unknown. Questions such as, what would happen if the fears came back and could I survive precluded many choices.

While it wasn’t easy and, at times, my peace of mine was threatened, I continued to fight. Interestingly, at some point there was an imperceptible shift as I began to take control as the fears began to dissipate.

That night so long ago, two paths became available. One was what I call The Familiar. This path which doesn’t demand taking control, taking chances or making changes, is fueled by the hope that miraculously, somehow things will eventually work out. 

The second path, I call A Different Way was the one I chose. It mandates taking control by facing the fear, when needed letting go of the familiar, and making necessary changes in the ways of thinking and doing.

Thought: Because familiarity begets a false sense of peace, and fear begets fear, the path of The Familiar leads one to being controlled rather than being in control.

Facing the problem, growing and learning while finding new ways of doing and thinking begets strength. Strength begets confidence; confidence begets power; and power destroys the rule of fear.  The path of the Different Way leads to being in control rather than being controlled.

 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, He will not fail you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (New American Standard Bible)