Stop Being Afraid! | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Stop Being Afraid!

Why our culture of fear is hindering society.

98
Stop Being Afraid!
Google

Americans today are scared. We are scared for the future of our country. We are scared for our children who walk on the street and get shot. We are scared that our educational system needs radical improvements. We are scared that our economy is going to go into decline. We are scared that our icebergs are melting and oil will run out. We are scared. I am scared.

In part, these fears make sense. The success of our country depends on electing responsible leaders. The success of our country depends on our children’s ability to thrive, and in order to thrive they have to be safe and alive. The success of our country depends on the fine line between affordable taxes and improving our infrastructure. The success of our country depends on our world’s existence and ability to function. We have good reasons to be scared.

This fear is not unfounded, nor is it impractical. A certain amount of fear is needed to keep people participating in and improving society. The problem with fear, however, is when it hinders people from making choices that would be beneficial. When we act of out fear, we are forgetting the very basis of our nation.

Remember the American Revolution? That war between Britain and the colonies that allowed us to forge our own path? The foundation of our country was not founded in fear but rather in hope and trust. Why have we forgotten our humble beginnings? Why have we abandoned this hope and trust for a foundation of fear, mongering and disbelief? Why do we focus on the negatives of one political candidate without looking at the positives of the other? Why do we worry about the unknown when worrying causes nothing to change?

Matthew 6 reminds us of how much God loves us; rather than worrying about our food, fashion and future, we need to consider the work of God in our lives! God will not abandon our country, no matter which presidential candidate is elected. God will not leave because our lawmakers write policies that attempt to keep Him out of public life. God will not jump ship regardless of whether or not we live up to His expectations. (Spoiler Alert: We never will.)

The problem in America is not that we are unable to figure everything out; the problem in America is that we are basing our decisions on fear of the known and unknown. Relinquishing this fear does not mean giving absolute trust to a candidate. Eliminating this fear does not mean we say, “Hey, God will take care of me,” and stop working and educating ourselves. Ceasing to live in fear does not mean blindly following those who lead us. The discontinuation of fear in our lives means to stop making choices based on the possibility of negative outcomes. Rather, look toward the potential of good in each and every situation. Live and thrive in community with others. Voice your opinions even if they might not be popular. Commit to living a life of joy, hope and trust, and look to God, for He is the only impeccable solution to our problems.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

182480
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

9253
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453905
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24144
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments