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Unhealthy Fear
Tonia O. Alabi

I can tell from my own experience that Fear can really be dangerous to our health. My next article was due and I was contemplating what topic I would be writing on, as I have about three of them. The day before that day I had been upset by something I thought I saw, but I refused to react to it because I am now working on avoiding Impulsive Reactions. That is, responding immediately to an unpleasant situation or action towards you or what you have concern for.

Bible verses such as Proverb 14: 29 explicitly encourages us to be quick in listening but slow to act. James 1: 19 supports this stance, further on in the chapter verse 26, we as Christians are further implored to be cautious in presenting ourselves.

“If any man amongst you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. “ James 1: 26

I succeeded by not responding, not asking question regarding the situation. I restrained myself from discussing it with Steve, my husband, because I did not to unnecessarily upset him too. We have a lot on our plate.

I waited till the following day, till I was able to ask one of my daughters on a lighter note, what it was I thought I saw the previous day. Her answer was emphatic No!, the picture I thought I saw was really wrong. Things were intact. I felt a relief so I thought until some hours after when trouble started, I started feeling uptight and observed I was also feeling a slight headache. My chest was feeling kind of heavy, it seem I was feeling a kind of movement from my upper body to my legs and toes, I could feel the blood froth rescinding. Then I started feeling really exhausted and I just had to go back to bed, picking some children religious materials for a read (I didn’t need anything serious to read.) All this was just a little bit after mid- day.

It was while in bed that I realized how afraid I had been. Afraid about what the consequences of what I thought I saw could have been for me and for my family. It could have been devastating and compelling. It could have possibly led to some bad decisions which would have caused the larger family a setback.

As I write, I thank God for grace, for achieving the ability to hold back on my reaction towards a situation; not to speak based on an unclear perception only to find out there is really no issue and lastly, saving the whole family from an unnecessary and regrettable upset. The devil clearly lost.

Going through it all now, I am sweating profusely, I believe releasing the bottled- up anger (which had been hidden) and the heat of the stress which fear could have been generating within me makes me to want to cry. I could hold back the tears maybe because I am actually sharing the experience with you now. It tells me it is okay to cry and, or even talk to God about what you are feeling. Pour out your emotions but be sure you are careful not to sin while doing that. You must release the vapour of the built- in anger and stress. Above all you must always strive to follow God’s words as they save us from troubles, bigger troubles and help us to rise above the temptations of the evil one. They grant us the peace He promised us. Peace eternal.

Guide me Lord along your everlasting way. Ps 139

When we perceive a situation or hear something that we think is derogatory (which may be right or wrong) it is the best for us to take our time responding. We need to wait and get a clearer picture or view of the situation. While we are waiting, we need to be praying, even if it is just, “Jesus have mercy, Mary help.” Know that He is aware of all situations before they occur and the occurrences have a purpose. I wouldn’t be writing this piece if I hadn’t had the experience I am sharing through this medium.

We react to situations at times out of fear; fear of disappointment, fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of been disgraced and so on and so forth. All forms of fear when prayerfully managed will leave us in Peace. Peace with ourselves, peace with the other person or persons in our lives. Peace with our maker.

So I say, do away with that fear. Do not let it “heat you up” and destroy your health. Many diseases arise from uncontrolled fear especially with people who are advancing in age. For every fear you poorly manage, you have a residue of its aftermath in your system, which comes to accumulate to worsen your Blood Pressure (BP) condition and other health conditions may arise from that.

To manage your fear, read your Bible more, listen to Homilies and put to practice all you learn in your daily life situations. You will find out there is peace in the Word and the Kingdom of Heaven is right on Earth.

Live the Word and be a Winner in Christ- Be a Kingdom Person.

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