Afraid Is Okay

Me: Here’s a fun fact about Ms. Janay. Halloween is my favorite holiday but I don’t like being scared.

Kids: Seriously? What? How? That makes no sense!

Me: First of all, Ms. Janay is complicated. I’m more of a Hocus Pocus, cute costume, and eating candy Halloween lover.

Kid 1: I can see it!

Me: Thank you! So here’s the thing, being scared might be a big part of Halloween but it’s something we experience all the time. What does the Bible tell us about fear?

Kid 2: To not be afraid?

Me: Yes! Why?

Kids: …

Me: I get it. Let me break it down. Fear is a very real emotion. Just as real as being happy, sad, excited, and mad. But God tells us not to fear. But God never told us to ignore, bury, or deny our emotions exist. You are absolutely allowed to be afraid.

Kid 3: Then why does God tell us not to?

Me: God feels emotions too. We see it all over the Bible. If He can feel, so can we. God wants us to know that no matter what’s going on around us or in us, He’s there. You can absolutely be afraid but never let your fear fool you into thinking that God has forgotten about you. God literally told us that He is our strength and our safe place. When there’s a storm outside and you’re in the house, are you freaking out?

Kids: No.

Me: Why?

Kid 1: Because you’re safe at home and you’re not outside in the storm.

Me: Exactly! You’re not pressed. Cause you’re under your cozy blanket, there’s food in the house, and you know you’re safe. That’s what it means to be afraid but to trust in God at the same time. I can be afraid and still know I’m safe.

Reflect: Being afraid isn’t bad. It’s a valid emotion. Think of times when you were afraid and how God was there with you. Now, the next time you feel frightened, you can remember that God has never left you before and He won’t leave now.