Don't Be Afraid

Through the past few weeks our news, our conversations, our thoughts have been filled with fear and anxiety. We have anxiety for our nation and for our world, for our political leaders and our economy. We carry fear for our futures and our security. We fear change. We fear that the lives we have known may not be tomorrow. Mothers and fathers fear for the safety of their children. Children fear for the safety of their futures.

Here at AMBS, as we are entering the throes of a new school year, I have heard other fears and anxieties. We fear that we are not able to succeed. We fear that we will fail. We fear that the work will be too much. New students are anxious as we enter this new community and build new relationships. Soon-to-be graduates are anxious as they prepare to leave this familiar community and look to the many uncertainties of their futures.

There are many fears and uncertainties: fears that have been spoken, fears that have been hidden, deep fears that cannot be spoken with words but only tears, fear that plagues us and bears down on us. As I have listened to these fears, and carried some of my own, a song has been echoing through my mind. It is a hymn, sung as a lullaby, inviting us to rest in the arms of God and find peace in His promise.

Don't Be Afraid

(Sing the Journey, 105)

Don't be afraid. My love is stronger,

My love is stronger than your fear.

Don't be afraid. My love is stronger.

And I have promised,

Promised to be always near.