We finished our discussions of Finding Peace in an Anxious World this past Wednesday. If you haven’t read this book you may want to consider reading it at some point. The Serenity Prayer is a reliable source of inspiration for millions. And this book offers additional spiritual practices to help us cope with our anxiety.
Our next book is titled, Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times. This book was written by Adam Hamilton, Sr Pastor at Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City. John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Church in Menlo Park, California, offers these remarks — “Fear is the great thief. It steals our peace. It quietly deprives us of one present moment after another, without our even knowing. In Unafraid, Adam gives us a thoughtful, literate, faith-filled guide to re-claiming our minds and our lives.”
Adam Hamilton acknowledges that fear is “the emotion that profoundly shapes us.” After all, everyone worries about something, and there is plenty in this world to fear. Dig deeper into the causes of depression and you are likely to discover fear as a root cause. The same holds true for addictions. Fear also drives prejudice and hate.
The reality is that we often fear something that will never happen. It’s amazing how much power something that never happens can have over us. Fear can become debilitating, leading to panic attacks or anxiety disorders.
Fear can be helpful in keeping us safe and out of trouble. Some fear is understanding. Such as, the fear that comes out of facing life-threatening illnesses, the likely death of someone close, or money issues.
A few of us meet in person each Wednesday downstairs for lunch and conversation. Be sure to follow social distancing practices. This means wearing a mask when you are not eating or drinking. We’re also online for those who cannot meet in person, are not ready to meet in person, or who do not want to wear a face mask.
Unfortunately, the virus is still a threat and in-person gatherings quickly become super-spreaders if precautions are ignored. Bring your own lunch or coordinate with others to purchase carryout or share meals. Potlucks are suspended for now.
I encourage you to join us either in person or online for our Wednesday gatherings. You can call in by phone, be heard, and hear what others are saying by calling (929) 436-2866, and entering the meeting ID, 482458815#.
We are a diverse group and we are delighted when new persons join us. I hope that you will join in on our discussion.
You can contact our office with questions, by phone or simply type your question on our website’s homepage — FlintAsbury.org.