One Another

I am intelligent! I am intelligent! I am intelligent! We all convince ourselves if we are intelligent we won't have irrational fears. This sounds right. Makes perfect sense. But life is not like that. Even though we are intelligent and know in our head what to be afraid of and what not to be afraid of, we still can have fears that make no sense.

I have always been afraid of escalators. Nope, I have never been hurt by an escalator. Really, I am just afraid of going down escalators, especially glass escalators. As I get older this fear has broadened to include stairs and stadium seating. We all went to a Diamondback game and I was terrified. My mind knew I was in no danger. My body was not going to just hurl itself off the chair onto the field. But still my heart began pounding and my palms got sweaty.

Mom, Natalie, and I went to an Omnimax movie at the Grand Canyon. We were a little late and the lights were down. Mom led the way and asked if the seats she chose were okay. I burst into tears. She mistakenly thought I didn't want to sit where she had chosen. I was just physically reacting to the steepness of the seating. I hate feeling this way. I feel silly that something so safe terrifies me. But that does not change the fact that it is real fear. I am trying to forgive myself for this fear. I am not silly and I am afraid. Anxiety is real and not something to condemn ourselves for.

I hope to be there for a friend today as she goes to the doctor with real fear. Her doctor truly believes that she is fine, but her fears are real in spite of his reassurance. Being there for her is an honor for me. That she allows me to share her life is humbling. I am proud of her that she admits her fears and seeks support to help her through.

The words, 'ONE ANOTHER' are throughout the new testament. We are to lean on and support each other in all areas of our lives. It does not say in the Bible, support each other if it is a valid concern. It just says support each other. We are losing a sense of community these days as people commute and are busy with work and activities. It is even more crucial now that we reach out to others for the strength and support we yearn for. In reaching out to others, we open up the opportunities for them to reach out to us. I Thank God for my friends honesty. Maybe I will take her to the mall and ride a few escalators after her dr. appointment. She will need to hold my hand!

In Him.
Joyful
2-16-2010