Fear: Here and Now! The lights are out and the whole family has settled down for a good night’s sleep, when suddenly the sound of wind and driving rain fill the darkness. Mom and Dad wait for voices from the children but hear nothing. Then a cry, “Mom, Dad” and they rush to the little boy’s room. He wants and needs his parents, but he also asked for light. A night light seems to bring comfort and security for children as well as adults, and safety for older adults. In fact, ninety- million-night lights are sold annually in this country! Fear of the dark is not an uncommon phenomenon, but there is also fear of light. The term is Heliophobia and refers to intense sometimes irrational fear of the sun. Whatever the basis for fear it is a difficult challenge and can present itself quickly and without warning! I was suddenly pinned under a Marine-sized raft which overturned in the midst of rushing water while shooting rapids All was dark! Fear in over-drive! Miraculously my life was spared, God had a plan! However, fear left its footprints in my mind as I struggled for almost a year and was finally able to go underwater but only with a good friend, whom I knew to be an excellent swimmer. I also trusted her life-saving skills! What are your fears? Are they here and now? Do they interfere with your everyday life? High places, water, close places, crowds, parents, siblings, bosses loneliness, Covid-19, Delta variant, even death? This overpowering emotion takes many forms and tears into one’s innermost protection. It grasps circumstances that arise and presents them as out of control. Life-saving skills are of paramount importance! Life-saving skills must be comprehensive and the first person on the scene(r must recognize when there is a need for help (from another professional counselor, Pastor etc.), when listening time is appropriate, when praying is in order, when taking another path is the best option, when seeing a health care provider is the best plan. If you are a helper, or the one in need, please keep in mind that God is on your side. In fact, as we invite Him, He will be present to guide, comfort and protect. Ps. 91: 1, His love is as strong as death, and He knows exactly how to bind fear removing its power and releasing His healing love! See 2 Tim 1:7. Remember just as fear is here and now, so is God! Here are some scriptures that can be helpful: Ps 23:4, , Luke 12: 32, 1John 4:18.We are thankful for the donations that are coming in and invite all to support this ministry. You are the reason for it and we desire to serve you with spiritual food from on High! The guidelines for giving are on the website (address below) As was mentioned last month, November begins the inspirational mini notes available on our website weekly. The longer notes will be available at the end of each month. Please let us know what you are thinking, any answers to prayer and remember that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound! Rom. 5:20 ! : https://www.graceabounds-ministries.com. Also another email address specifically for the ministry is info@graceabounds-ministries.com.