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