The Only Thing We Have

“We say, readily enough, that ‘God is love.’ Do we really believe it?... If you do feel and trust that the guiding principle of life is one of love and benevolence, why is there so much of the opposite around?...
I have a candidate to bring to you as chief suspect: Fear!”
– Margaret Silf

This attempt to answer why such harmful acts take place in the world, comes as close to any other answer I have heard discussed that has tried to apply rationale for unreasonable acts. Is it the fear of our differences that prompts wall building? Is it the fear for our own safety that provokes attacks? Is it the fear of our peers that encourages silence? Is it the fear for our livelihood that prods us towards deceitful practices? Is it the fear of waiting that pushes us towards acting prematurely? Is it the fear of hearing answers that discourages us from asking questions? It is a perfect time to review the inaugural speech given by Franklin D. Roosevelt in which we grew up hearing: “… the only thing we have to fear is fear itself…” Reading the transcript has a sense of déjà vu; it could easily be broadcast today. Another source explained fear as an acronym, “False Evidence Appearing Real” – Veer Sharma. These rebukes against fear help us put fear back into containment; however fear is ready to spring back into our lives with any perceived opening of doubts or reservations.

My prayer for the congregation?

Mighty God, Defender of the faith, You look fear head on and reduce it to powerless submission. The only way fear regains its strength is when we release some of our own suspicions and doubts. We become slaves to fear’s whimsies and pettiness and we are surprised by actions that we thought were below us. Dear God, give us resolute trust in your power and majesty. May we find wonder and joy in our diversity instead of distrust. Let us be a people of courage and valor aided by your constant presence and guidance. Let us shackle fear with our firm faith that God is love. Amen