“Fear, which can come upon people in difficult days, is a principal weapon in the arsenal which Satan uses to make mankind unhappy. He who fears loses strength for the combat of life in the fight against evil. Therefore the power of the evil one always tries to generate fear in human hearts. In every age and in every era, mankind has faced fear.” Howard W. Hunter

It seems to me that most people have their “thorn in the side” weaknesses, which they work on throughout their lives with seemingly little success in the overcoming department. One of my “thorns” is fear, a familiar nemesis. Though fear is a blessing and protection provided by our Creator to help keep us safe, when it becomes an indulgence, it can be a great source of pain and an impediment to progress. My brain automatically thinks first of all the things that could go wrong, in any given situation. It worries. Overthinks. This can actually be good in the problem-solving arena; I agonizingly work through all the issues, and often come up with a good plan, but it’s exhausting for me and usually annoying for everyone around me.

Those of us who experience anxiety and fear may do things others feel are irrational or stupid, in our quest to find comfort of some kind. It would be loving (and greatly appreciated) to refrain from judging or belittling others’ coping mechanisms, strange as they may seem. Hoarding, crying, cleaning, panicking, hiding, binge-watching tv, eating (uggggg eating), and many other coping behaviors, healthy or not, are most likely the best we can do at that moment. Messages of love and support, or offers of help, go a long way towards stabilizing, while harsh judgment and mockery increase the pain and fear.

“Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

“Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me;” Doctrine and Covenants 50:40-41 

I’ve pondered, many times, the account in the scriptures of Peter walking on the water with the Lord.  I fully relate to Peter’s faith and joy in successfully moving toward Jesus, only to be overtaken by fear of the tumultuous waves so near.  I love knowing that although the Lord chides Peter, “Wherefore didst thou doubt?” He, nevertheless, immediately, lovingly reaches down and lifts him up, always loving, always patient.

“God knows that you are not perfect, that you will fail at times.  God loves you no less when you struggle than when you triumph.” Deiter F. Uchtdorf

This week, as the messages poured in from the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with instructions about not gathering as members, and the news carried moment-by-moment information of closures and spreading of COVID-19, my heart began to increase in fear and anxiety.  My head started to spin.  I wasn’t thinking clearly, and I felt disoriented, increasingly alone, and helpless.  Then I received a text from my bishop asking ward members to please reach out to our ministering families and check on them.  As I began texting those I minister to, my heart immediately calmed. I was focused entirely on loving them, seeing to their comfort and safety. I recognized the dramatic difference and made a mental note: this is how to use this situation to become more like the Savior.  Everything we experience in this life is for that purpose, after all.

“…remember the words of John: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” If we simply love God and love our neighbors, we are promised that we will overcome our fears.” L. Tom Perry

I’m prepared, I don’t need to fear, and I can help those who may not be prepared or have a firm foundation in Christ.  Times of crisis often soften and open hearts.  I want to “be ready always to give an answer” for the hope I feel and to share what helps me be calm, and even happy, during such difficult times. Over the last couple of days, studying the scriptures, doing topical guide searches, such as fear, hope, and peace, writing my blog, reaching out to friends and neighbors, looking for ways to make church fulfilling for my daughter and I, preparing healthy meals, and video chatting with my grandson, who was sad about cancelled skateboarding lessons, all brought light and happy feelings, completely opposite of the heavy, dark feelings of fear.

“Faith, hope, and charity—these three great pillars of the gospel are the great antidote to confusion, doubt, and fear. As you deepen your commitment to these principles and practices, you will feel the Lord’s Spirit in your life, and you will begin to feel your load lighten. Your life will become much happier as you seek to lift the spirits of those around you.” Mark D. Ogletree

In our current world situation, crisis even, most people have a measure of fear.  Satan wants to use this to isolate us.  What’s more isolating, than self-isolation?  Yes, we’re pulling away from physical interaction with others to help keep more people safe, but there are still hundreds of ways to reach out and increase the feelings of community and solidarity, even in our physical isolation. We’re blessed with something those who suffered during previous ages didn’t have—technology, which allows us not only to talk and text, but to see each other and even virtually gather.