Fear Totay

                                                                Fear  Today
 
Long ago I began to realize fear had a smell.  My dog could smell fear hidden silently  behind bushes and then began barking loudly.  Recently sitting in another doctor’s office I now knew humans too could smell fear. It reminded me of Daniel in the lion’s den.  Soon the smell became  sweet and palpable. I trusted God was telling me against all odds this smell was bearing good news.
 
After  two years of pandemic life is hard enough. I would really appreciate a normal day- “nothing new, nothing different.” More than fear I feel utterly hopeless, helpless, cowardly perhaps- trusting human doctors and leaders rather than the One who has always been trustworthy; the One who by His Death and Resurrection showed true everlasting love for man. ‘To think is easy; to act is hard.” (Goethe)  I only think; Jesus acted.
 
Listening to the national news only adds to my smell of putrid fear and danger.
 
 
                               Nuclear fallout on the world is on the president’s mind.
                               Perhaps all western Europe will fall to a deranged dictator.
                               Is that the smell of fear in everyone’s nostrils right now?
                               What to do?  How to respond?
 
                                This Sunday, civilization as we know it is in danger-
                                The smell of uneasiness permeates the air all around us.
                                Fortunately our president goes to church to pray,
                                Each of us too must storm heaven’s gates.
 
                                “Lord,” I beg.  “Our world sorely needs guidance.
                                 The quagmire has lasted long with everyday new hits.”
                                 We lift our arms in supplication, begging,
                                 “Let our hearts firmly trust  You.”