“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
After my bike crash last December, I have to admit I am still traumatized by the whole experience. Getting hit by a car will do that to a person. My paranoia and defense mechanisms are always on high alert whenever I go for a bike ride. What used to be peaceful, meditative cycling journeys are now filled with fear and trepidation. While driving behaviors have generally not changed since the accident — they have always been pretty pathetic — I have simply become more fearful as a result of the incident.
The verse featured in this article was a gift from a friend in response to the sharing of my post-traumatic stress tendencies. Since receiving the gift of this verse, I have started to discover more peace and comfort on my cycling trips.
Living life in fear, whatever the source of that fear may be, only dilutes the potential for accomplishment and celebration in living. Each of us has been blessed with the strength, the power, the energy, the skills and the ability to live, love, dream, create, and celebrate. The spirit of fear only blocks what naturally exists within us.
Fear is not something we have been given, it is something we learn, we experience, and, if we are not careful, something we can inadvertently embrace. Fear is learned — the power within each of us is already there, waiting to be unleashed.
Since I was exposed to this thought a couple of weeks ago, I started reciting this verse as a reminder that fear is not naturally part of me. The gift of power, love, and intellect is. When I find myself becoming less peaceful on my rides, I simply recite this verse and I find the confidence and peace to forge on with power and commitment.
If you are uncomfortable with the notion of a bible quote inspiring you, simply embrace the mantra offered me when I first shared this story with another friend while in Michigan — “I am power, love, and positive energy.”
Whatever path you choose to embrace, celebrate and utilize the positive energy that resides within you, remember fear has not been endowed upon you — power, love, and intellectual energy has. Release your fear and make things happen!!
