One of the Hope Warriors in my life gave me a tea towel with these words to keep in my kitchen. Each time I see it, these words remind me that fear doesn’t have to have the final say. These words help me see the fear in my life for what it is. And they give me courage to keep fighting for hope.
Since there seems to be plenty of fear going around these days, I wanted to drag fear out into the light where we can really look at it.
Here’s the skinny on fear vs. hope:
Fear chokes out hope.
Fear screams and calls for immediate, desperate action. Fear makes us think we are alone, without help, and ultimately without hope. Fear paints the future in total darkness. It is like a tornado, loud and destructive, throwing debris in every direction. As long as the tornado is there, no one can reach out to help, no one can be heard over the noise, and everyone gets hurt.
Hope removes fear.
Hope is something else entirely. Hope starts out quiet, sometimes as a small spark. The presence of hope can dissipate the fear-tornado so that healing can take place.
Fear isolates.
It whispers in the darkness “You are alone. No one will help you.” It covers us with shame to keep us bound in addictions. It makes us think no other marriage has struggled like ours, no other person has had dark thoughts like these. It whispers lies to keep us from coming into the light.
Hope builds community.
When we surround ourselves with people who fight for hope, we hear these beautiful words, “You are not alone. I am with you.” They remind us of truth, which brings us into the light. And Hope Warriors lovingly help us let go of the lies we’ve believed for far too long.
Fear begets fear.
The more we surround ourselves with fearful thoughts, statements, and actions, the more fear will surround our hearts and paralyze us.
Hope begets courage.
Hope stirs a quiet, fierce strength inside us. Hope helps us believe the future could be good. When those around us are pointing us toward truth, we grow brave. When we point others toward truth, we grow strong.
Hope reminds us that change is possible. It reminds us that the last chapter has not been written, and that we hold the pen to begin a new chapter.
Hope is greater than fear.