Why We Keep Being Afraid...

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Hey Friends,
As I posted the other day we re-read all our advent verses each morning as we add another one for the day. Each morning as Shay reads and asks questions to our little folks I am always struck at what the angels say to Mary and the shepherds...Do Not Be Afraid. Why? Why was that the first thing they said...not...

hey, I'm gabriel...
     Sorry it's so bright...
          I'm here to tell you some really important things...
             
None of those statements were first...just Do Not Be Afraid. I am by no stretch of the imagination a theological scholar. I tremble at speaking b/c the weight of that responsibility of always doing honor and grace to the words of the Almighty God...pressure people. Anyways, I do though have thoughts...why? Why those first words...I have to think it's because God knows us. He knows us well. He knows our first reaction with life, news, change, loss of control, or just loss...brings fear. And fear usually comes in a full house of spades (too many card references there?). He knew His angels had to speak in the first moment of Mary seeing Gabriel and He knew He had to speak to Mary's heart...Do Not Be Afraid. Our fear is so loud to Jesus. Our fear can be crippling. Oh I have fear...the ugly, not trusting Jesus, overwhelming kind of fear. I have to fight it. Every moment. Fear to fly. Fear to let others take my kids anywhere. Fear of our world (I can hear my mamma's voice sayin' "this world is goin' to hell in a handbasket."). Fear of change. Fear of not being known. Fear of being me. Fear of failing. Fear of loss. Fear of pain. Fear of falling a part. Fear of my kids hurting. Fear of dying. Fear of what others think. FEAR. Crippling fear. But even as God was announcing the Savior, His son to the world to sweet-servant hearted-pondered all these things in her heart-Mary...He had to tell her, "Do Not Be Afraid."

Friend, Do not be afraid...
            Do not be afraid...
            Do not be afraid...

Turn your heart and eyes to our refuge...our peace...our light...our grace...our love...our everything. He speaks so quickly to where He knew our heart would go...to Mary...but still today to us. His first line to our unknown in our life...do not be afraid. After our fear, let's run with His message...not just more fear.

Adventure and Wonder,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com