| A zoo attendant entered a lion cage carrying | | | | Lord."(Psalm 31:24).I taught my grandson this |
| only a broom. He casually swept with no | | | | Bible verse: "When I am afraid, I will trust |
| concern for the wild animal. He even poked | | | | in thee." (Psalm 56:3) We sing it at bedtime |
| the big cat with his broom. The lion hissed | | | | to calm his fear of closet monsters, but this |
| at him and moved to another corner of the | | | | simple verse applies to my adult-sized fears |
| enclosure. An onlooker remarked "You | | | | as well. When anxiety descends like a heavy |
| certainly are brave." The sweeping man | | | | fog, these nine words can release fear's |
| chuckled and said, "I ain't brave, that old | | | | choke hold.When the lions in life bare their |
| cat ain't got no teeth."In situations where | | | | teeth, I tell God my worries. Then I put my |
| there's not much danger, bravery comes | | | | hope in Him. Remembering that He's with me |
| easily. However, most of us face some very | | | | calms my anxious thoughts. Revelation 5:5 |
| scary stuff. Having a sick child or losing | | | | says Jesus is the Lion from the tribe of |
| your home, your income, your health, or your | | | | Judah. A lion may be the king of the jungle, |
| spouse can be terrifying. In circumstances | | | | but Jesus is the king of kings. (Revelation |
| like these, we can feel alone and | | | | 19:16) He is strong and mighty. He is never |
| vulnerable.Children who feel that way curl up | | | | afraid. He is greater than the lions.Author |
| with a soft blanket or a cuddly teddy bear | | | | Marsha Jordan is founder of a nonprofit |
| and feel more secure. But what can adults | | | | charity called Hugs and Hope for Sick |
| with big problems cling to? We need more | | | | Children ( More of her articles on |
| than a piece of cloth or a toy to calm our | | | | depression are in her book, Hugs, Hope, and |
| fears.When I'm scared, there are two sayings | | | | Peanut Butter, a compilation of essays |
| I like to remember: "To be afraid is to | | | | illustrated with drawings by critically ill |
| believe in evil more than you believe in | | | | children. Filled with hilarious commentary |
| God," and "Courage is fear that has said its | | | | and practical tips for coping with life's |
| prayers."Many people think being brave means | | | | hardships, Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter |
| having no fear, but courage is actually | | | | brings hope to the hurting and would make a |
| continuing on, in spite of fear. Those who | | | | great gift for anyone who could use a pick me |
| believe that God is ultimately in control can | | | | up. Best of all, proceeds will benefit the |
| trust Him to do the worrying.When facing | | | | sick kids of The Hugs and Hope Club ( Other |
| fear, if we don't turn to God, we're missing | | | | similar essays in the book include, "More |
| out. He can provide the courage we need. | | | | Than I Can Handle," "Ten Tips For Beating |
| "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen | | | | Depression," "Why Doesn't God Answer My |
| your heart, all you who hope in the | | | | Prayer?" and "What Did I Do To Deserve This? |