LOVE > FEAR

LOVE > FEAR

I had one of those moments recently.  In a split second, the choice was mine to make.  Would I respond in LOVE or FEAR?  Would I allow the vibrations of LOVE to echo or the haunting grip of FEAR? 

It’s late, rainy and chilly. I’m filling up my gas tank in the Midway neighborhood of Chicago.  Fumbling to enter my credit card into the “Pay Outside” slot, my eyes are darting around the parking lot, securing my safety. 
By accident I make eye contact with a young man who then quickly approaches me from the backside of my car.   LOVE…FEAR…my heart beat is accelerating, reverberating.  I take a deep breath.  He’s flustered, immediately apologetic and quick to assure me he is not approaching me to do harm. 
I inhale deeply; peer into his translucent blue eyes, there’s a pleading glance in reply. 
Another deep breath.
“Do you speak English (it’s a primarily Spanish speaking neighborhood)?” 
 “Yes.”
 “Are you Polish?”
“No.”
“ I need help.  My wife is in the Dunkin Donuts next door.  We’ve been evicted.  Look, the Salvation Army has a place for us tomorrow but we’ve been on the street for two days.  We’re soaked.  There’s a hotel next door and I’ve negotiated half price for a room but I have no money.  I can’t bring my wife onto the street, they thought she was a prostitute.”  He continues and I listen taking deep breaths. 
LOVE>FEAR
I am reminded. 
Desperation oozes from his being. 
I want to doubt his story…typical.  I choose to trust.
“Sure.  Let me fill up my tank and I’ll meet you next door at the hotel.”
He’s there.  I open my window; the money passes from my hands to his in an instant.
Silence. 
Our eyes are transfixed on one another.  I want to exude compassion.
He begins to cry and attempts further explanation.
There are no words.
I bless him.  My attempt feels feeble.  He is facing a crisis.  I’ll drive home with a full tank of gas, cupboards full of food, warm, dry sheets and money to pay my bills and more.

Each one of us are granted a thousand opportunities to allow LOVE > FEAR. 

Robert Holden, Ph.D. and Director of the Happiness Project and author of “be happy” describes fear as “an emotion without any breath.”  

FEAR grips.

LOVE expands.

I’m sure I’m not the ONLY one who has been gripped with FEAR in the middle of the night.  Thoughts are racing a thousands miles a minute, doubts shroud sleep, anxiety sets in, every possible horrible outcome is imagined.
FEAR is no way to live. 
I’m not settling for a life where FEAR > LOVE. 
The solution is simple.  Really it is.  If you believe you have the power to choose LOVE over FEAR.
It really is that simple.  A choice.  A conscious practice.

I’m just wondering what would happen if we committed to choose LOVE when we are tempted to FEAR for one week. 

Are you game?

Let’s do it!

“The Love Revolution”

Imagine the impact it could have in your world.

Imagine if everyone around you chose LOVE over FEAR in ALL their interactions with YOU. 

Everyday would be your best day.

Here’s the thing.  Know what you’re up against.  Confront your enemy on your turf, terms and time.  That way when you are broadsided with FEAR in a parking lot on a rainy night, alone, you’re prepared because you’ve practiced!  Trust me, you will be broadsided. 

So the question you must ask yourself is…

Where does FEAR have a grip in your life? 

*is your marriage slipping? 
*your bank account in deficit, debt mounting?
*dread settling for the life you've created?
*constant turmoil and hatred in a relationship?
*loosing control and not sure how to get it back?
*not sure your new venture will end in your favor?

I know one thing.  Your situation may feel like the impossible one to resurrect.  Maybe it is spiraling down at nano-speed and you're thinking "Dana, you don't know MY situation."  You're right but I know one thing.  If you spew FEAR into your situation, you don't have a chance in hell of resurrection.  If you robe it with LOVE, there's A HOPE you can count on.  I'm not saying, the situation will turn out as you think it must.  I'm saying, whatever is done inside you because of LOVE will change your life.

Practicalities.

Breathe into the situation.  Invite LOVE to be present.  Take time each day for this practice.  Breathe LOVE into the center of your FEARS.  It is a practice. 

Do tell how LOVE > FEAR in your life over the next week.

I want to hear your story.   I imagine, my readers do too.

Comments

[Gretchen Bickerstaff]

What amazing stories, all of them. I am inspired to choose life. Not dwell on situations that are out of my control, instead do something positive with a positive feed back. I also will choose love not fear for one week. I love the challenge and look forward to sending you the outcome. Thank you for sharing your stories.