Fear is not an Option

My husband has a shirt that says “I support P.E.T.A”

The shirt is bright yellow, and draws a lot of attention. But most people miss the smaller print underneath the larger letters.

“People Eating Tasty Animals”

Even my brother and sister-in-law, who are vegetarians, chuckle at this one.

The other day he was getting his truck washed, and as he came up to the cashier to pay, she did a double-take at his shirt, smiled, and then leaned over and whispered, “I like your shirt!”.

She continued whispering. “Ever notice how a lot of the same people who are so radical about protecting animals support the killing of humans through abortion?”

“Yeah, doesn’t make sense, does it?” He whispered back.

They then had a conversation about the state of our country at the moment, with frequent pauses so that other customers could pay her for their vehicles. They discussed the administration, the liberal direction it is taking us, and how far we are being shoved from the values on which our country was founded.

Their conversation ended with a common Christian goodbye. “God bless you.”

When he later told me about their conversation, I started thinking about why the woman would feel the need to whisper. I know my husband whispered to be polite, because she was whispering. I’m fairly certain that she whispered because she was afraid someone else in her place of business – one of her customers – might be offended at something she or my husband said.

Isn’t that just what we’re finding ourselves doing more and more? Whispering? Why?

Fear. We are being forced into fearfulness. Fear of “offending” others. Fear of ridicule for our beliefs. Fear of retaliation. Fear of our government.

Fear of being destitute is causing people to horde their money due to the economic crisis we are in.
Fear of being called a racist is keeping people from speaking out against Obama.
Fear of the government ignoring the second amendment – or even abolishing it – is causing people to horde guns and ammunition.
Fear of being called bigoted or holier-than-thou is keeping Christians from sharing their faith with others.
Fear of others not like ourselves (racial, ethnic, religious differences) is keeping people from being friendly to strangers.
Fear of being called names like “homophobe”, “anti-social”, “racist”, “intolerant”, “close-minded”, or “extremist” makes us wary of voicing our opinions in public.
Fear of crime is keeping people holed up in their homes behind bars and security systems.
Fear of rejection is resulting in more and more people being less and less connected with others, and choosing to socialize in the “safer” environment of the Internet community.

Homosexuals know how to use fear as a weapon. If anyone dares to speak out against their perversion, they’re called names and they’re verbally intimidated.

Abortionists know how to use fear as a weapon. They tell women that we are trying to tell them what to do with their “own bodies”. They call pro-lifers radical extremists.

People like Rosie O’Donnell know how to use fear as a weapon by labeling Christians as terrorists.

Groups like the Brady bunch (as in Gun-Control activists) know how to use fear as a weapon by labeling law-abiding citizens as “nut cases” because they support the 2nd amendment and own and know how to use weapons.

The Obama administration knows how to use fear as a weapon. It is using the “economic crisis” to push through its socialist style agenda , knowing that fear of an economic collapse will keep most from objecting.

The administration’s plan to put together a “Civilian Security Force” will cause people to stay distanced from each other through fear.

Taxing the AIG bonuses (unconstitutionally, I might add) at 90% puts fear in those who are achievers.

Don’t make waves. Don’t criticize government. Don’t overachieve and bring attention to yourself. Blend in. Get along. Compromise. Be agreeable. Don’t be different.

There is an old German saying that says “"Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is."

I refuse to be afraid.

I won’t be afraid to speak out against wrong when I see it. The wrongdoers should be afraid of me.
I won’t be afraid of my government. My government should be afraid of me.
I won’t be afraid of sharing my faith. It is the lost who should be afraid. I should want to help them see the danger they really ARE in and show them the way out.
I won’t be afraid of criminals. I purpose in my heart to protect myself against them. They should be afraid of me.
I won’t be afraid of strangers. They could turn out to be my friends and confidantes.

I won’t be afraid to voice my opinion in public, and I won’t be afraid to contact my Senators and Representatives and let them know how I expect them to vote on issues.

And what if, by chance, I do become frightened? There is only One I can turn too.

What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. Psalms 56:3.