April 22, 2026

One of my longstanding fears has always been the darkness itself. It stems from the uncertainty of not knowing what or who might be lurking in the shadows. If you’ve ever found yourself in a cave, you can relate to the overwhelming experience when the lights suddenly go out—it’s so dark that you can’t even see your hand in front of your face.

One night, while I was outside, I looked up at the sky. The night was exceptionally clear, revealing a breathtaking beauty I had never truly appreciated before. The stars sparkled brilliantly, and in that moment, I felt the presence of my Creator. Now, whenever I step outside at night, I’m reminded to look up and embrace that beautiful sight.

Another thing I fear is not being able to breathe. When Covid came and I was struggling breathing, the pharmacy was actually out of inhalers. I panicked. When a person panics, it is harder to breathe.

We are not to fear but it’s easy to do.

Fear as an acrostic is….

False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

Often, our fears are unfounded. Instead of letting fear paralyze us, we should view the unknown as a chance for growth. By confronting our fears, we build strength and resilience, uncovering new aspects of ourselves. Courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to move forward despite it. Each step gains more confidence, turning fears into stepping stones of growth.