Facing Fear with Faith and Encouragement

Reaching for a Helping Hand

Yesterday, I was reminded of a struggle I’ve always had with fire. Like many, I love a good fire, but I also deeply respect it. A memory resurfaced of witnessing someone catch fire, jump out of a car, and wander before finally stopping, dropping, and rolling. Others rushed to help, and while they survived, they endured severe burns and many surgeries.

Looking back, I realize how profoundly this experience impacted me. It instilled a deep fear—not just for myself but for those I love. This fear has never stopped me from building a good campfire, but it has caused me to be hypervigilant, sometimes to an unhealthy degree, about my children and grandchildren being “too close” to the fire.

Another memory surfaced—of a time when my adult sons wanted me to participate in our family fireworks show. They walked me to the platform they had built alongside my husband. Holding my hand, they encouraged me with words like, “You can do this, Mom.” I did it—and the relief was overwhelming. The joy of that shared experience outweighed my fear. My daughter-in-love even captured the moment on video.

This reminds me that we can all face our fears with the helping hand of another. Often, we don’t realize how much a gentle touch, a hug, or encouraging words can mean to someone struggling with fear.

Do I still have fears of fire? Yes. But I’m learning that respecting fire, setting boundaries, and prioritizing safety is important—yet it is not solely my responsibility to keep everyone safe. I must surrender them to God, trusting in His protection and letting go of the burden. When I fail to do this, anxiety overwhelms me, draining the joy from these precious experiences.

A message of encouragement to you here. When someone resists participating in something that seems fun and normal to you, consider that there may be a deeper reason behind their hesitation. Ask with curiosity, not judgment. Gently inquire, “What is keeping you from trying this experience?” Listen with compassion. Offer a guiding hand, a word of encouragement, or simply stand beside them as they navigate their fear.

Grace to you,

Cindy

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