Journal entry by Kerry Wheeler —
THE TRUTH ABOUT FEAR
Fear is a very unpleasant, strong emotion.
Fear is common for people facing a condition like Parkinson's or Dementia or the combination of both in Lewy Body Disease. Mostly, the fear of quality of life moving forward or forced to consider the possibilities of life after death. For many of us, our greatest fear of aging was to have this kind of diagnosis. Growing up, being told "don't be afraid" wasn't very helpful. As we matured that phrase is taken more seriously depending on the authority of the one giving the advice. Truth can greatly minimize fear. Once we understand that there is truly no danger in a fearful situation that fear gives way in the light of truth. The authority of God's Word, the Bible, speaks truth about Fear.
Isaiah 41:13
For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
John 14:27
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Isaiah 35:4
Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”
Trusting that God has our back relieves my fear. It may not change my circumstances yet, I'm still living in a world under the curse, but it sure helps to know this is only a momentary struggle. With God, my story has a fantastic final chapter! Our enemy is said to be a "roaring lion looking for someone to devour". God's truth turns him into just a purring little kitty.
I love the words to this song about a cool perspective on the things that I'm afraid of.
When I am shaking
And my heart's pounding
You always take me
Make me lie down in
Peaceful fields where
I can clear my head
'Cause I get so overcome with anxiety
Like there's an enemy livin' inside of me
Like a mocker yellin' out, tellin' lies to me
And I don't feel brave, but I don't have to be
'Cause I walked through the valley of shadows
And it scared me half to death
But You're with me everywhere I go
So I won't give up yet
My fears would surely kill me
If I didn't know the truth
The things that I'm afraid of
Are afraid of You
You prepare a table for me
Right in front of my worst enemies
You're as calm and relaxed as can be
There's no place where
My demons can't find me
But just wait 'til they see
Who's standing behind me
Josh Wilson
https://youtu.be/e-li0aU22ak?si=bMlXh329qBgyEEUe
I consider disease an enemy of God. The imagery of Lewy Bodies being more afraid than I am, knowing I will one day have total and permanent victory and they will meet an eternal and devastating end gives me peace.
1 John 4:18
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.
I am perfectly loved by God through His Son, not because I deserve it or have earned this love, it is a gift from God. Unless I recognize the gift and open the gift, I cannot accept the gift of His Love. I'm not returning this gift! I'm accepting it fully and living each day trying to understand and live in thanksgiving for the gift that truly keeps on giving.
Fear is a very unpleasant, strong emotion.
Fear is common for people facing a condition like Parkinson's or Dementia or the combination of both in Lewy Body Disease. Mostly, the fear of quality of life moving forward or forced to consider the possibilities of life after death. For many of us, our greatest fear of aging was to have this kind of diagnosis. Growing up, being told "don't be afraid" wasn't very helpful. As we matured that phrase is taken more seriously depending on the authority of the one giving the advice. Truth can greatly minimize fear. Once we understand that there is truly no danger in a fearful situation that fear gives way in the light of truth. The authority of God's Word, the Bible, speaks truth about Fear.
Isaiah 41:13
For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
John 14:27
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Isaiah 35:4
Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”
Trusting that God has our back relieves my fear. It may not change my circumstances yet, I'm still living in a world under the curse, but it sure helps to know this is only a momentary struggle. With God, my story has a fantastic final chapter! Our enemy is said to be a "roaring lion looking for someone to devour". God's truth turns him into just a purring little kitty.
I love the words to this song about a cool perspective on the things that I'm afraid of.
When I am shaking
And my heart's pounding
You always take me
Make me lie down in
Peaceful fields where
I can clear my head
'Cause I get so overcome with anxiety
Like there's an enemy livin' inside of me
Like a mocker yellin' out, tellin' lies to me
And I don't feel brave, but I don't have to be
'Cause I walked through the valley of shadows
And it scared me half to death
But You're with me everywhere I go
So I won't give up yet
My fears would surely kill me
If I didn't know the truth
The things that I'm afraid of
Are afraid of You
You prepare a table for me
Right in front of my worst enemies
You're as calm and relaxed as can be
There's no place where
My demons can't find me
But just wait 'til they see
Who's standing behind me
Josh Wilson
https://youtu.be/e-li0aU22ak?si=bMlXh329qBgyEEUe
I consider disease an enemy of God. The imagery of Lewy Bodies being more afraid than I am, knowing I will one day have total and permanent victory and they will meet an eternal and devastating end gives me peace.
1 John 4:18
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.
I am perfectly loved by God through His Son, not because I deserve it or have earned this love, it is a gift from God. Unless I recognize the gift and open the gift, I cannot accept the gift of His Love. I'm not returning this gift! I'm accepting it fully and living each day trying to understand and live in thanksgiving for the gift that truly keeps on giving.
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