Courage is the price that life pays for providing peace.
The soul that does not know this, does not know salvation
By small things;
Doesn’t know the deep loneliness of fear,
Nor the mountain heights where bitter joy can be heard
Sound of wings.
(Amelia Earhart Putnam)
We all need release from some things. We find ourselves slaves to harmful habits. We are hindered by limitations and problems that block our path to progress. We suffer from anxieties and insecurities. All of these things, and more, bind us and prevent us from exercising our freedom to live as we should. And it is probably true, as Amelia Earhart Putnam wrote, that, because of our lack of courage, it is the “little things” that bind us most. Big things cannot be enjoyed as long as we hold on to these small things.
Release is a powerful concept. If we can think in terms of that metaphor, or paradigm, more often, we will probably be more effective. For example, think about an undesirable habit. What would probably be more likely to help you in the short term: thinking about the act of “getting” something difficult that you don’t have right now (a better habit, a skill you need, etc.) or thinking about the freedom that would come from “giving up” something you don’t want? In my mind, I try to imagine the things I’m trying to get rid of as “big bags of rocks” in my character. It’s both easy and exciting to think about putting the bag of rocks down and no longer carrying it around. This is “release” – and it’s really quite wonderful.
But let’s take the focus off ourselves. Wouldn’t it be a good thing to be people who play a role in other people’s lives by helping them enjoy more freedom? Of course it will, and it is one of the best gifts we can give to the people around us. Often, all it takes is one encouraging word to help others find salvation. “A positive word releases positive energy and becomes a creative force” (Robert Harold Schuler).
Whether in our own lives or in the lives of others, salvation often comes at the intersection between faith and fear. So let’s be the people who choose faith instead of fear, and help others make this bold choice too.
“It is skepticism and fear that stifle life; it is faith that melts it, sets it free, sets it free” (Harry Emerson Fosdick).
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com AreYouaChristian.com
