Fear
is not
the enemy.

It’s not
a shameful
embarrassment
to be shed
as soon
as possible
or fortified
against.

Fear
is
a friend
calling out
for care.

When
Fear
first calls
as a
slight
resistance,
an aversion
to what
is
in front
of us,
it’s tempting
to
turn away.

Like
a passer-by
turning
from
a crying beggar,
we turn
ourselves
in defense.

We
raise
a shield
to protect
ourselves
from
Fear.

But
turning away
always
leaves
a mark,
on us
and
on the world.

A calloused
wound,
the mark
of a weapon
that
doesn’t
fully
heal.

Accepting
Fear
is
the
courageous
act.

When
we look
deeply
into
the beggar’s
crying eyes
and say
“I care”,
only
then
does Fear
begin
to release.

Thus
released
it
transforms.

Comforted
by our
caring
presence,
Fear
learns
that we
are not
the enemy.