Never Not Be Afraid:

Or, Anxiety, Worry, and Constant Fear are our Friends by The Croods

The Croods is the iconic cave-dwelling movie that depicts the struggle for survival and the benefit of being alert to danger. Grug, the father, instills in his family the need to “never not be afraid.” In other words, be afraid…… be anxious, be alert, constantly worry. While the hyperalert state was beneficial in tough environments for survival, “never not be afraid” should NOT be our mantra today yet for almost 50% of us, anxiety and worry shout loudly.

Additionally, I remember Grug (the Crood father) pulling the rock (picture garage door closing) in front of the cave entrance to shut out danger (i.e. the world). Do we do that today? Do we live in constant fear or worry and retreat from the world to our inner caves? Is managing our fears and worries difficult? Yes.

From a biblical perspective, we are told to not worry or fear. 1 Timothy 2:7 For the Lord has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (paraphrased). So, how can I use my sound mind to not be afraid. First, I have to know what my worries and fears are. And ask, are the worries in my control? One therapeutic method is to write down your worries (unto God, so I will say a little pray as I write it down) and put them in a box. Then, at a designated time and for 15 minutes focus on those worries. For example, I am worried as my son drives to Memphis today at 6pm. I say a prayer in faith, and I write that worry down and put in my box for my 8pm worry time. At 8pm, I read my worries. One worry no longer exists (my son is already in Memphis). I am so thankful (praises God).

Another example: The test on Friday. For the test, I read the worry of the test during my worry time of 8pm and decide that I could study nightly for 30 minutes before the exam and will do well (praying to God for calmness during the test and knowing that He will be with me).

Note: If it’s a worry that I can do something about, then I will make a plan. If it’s a worry outside of my control, then I will pray about it during my worry time. Outside of my worry time, I will focus on enjoying the present moments. Worry is a thief of joy. Determine to live in peace.