Fragile to Fearless
Yep. This graphic pretty much sums up my state of mind lately. And I am not very happy about it either! Fragility – the quality of being delicate or vulnerable. I know this is just part of the human condition. Or as my husband often reminds me, “We didn’t come with a guarantee.” But feeling fragile over a period of time is unsettling to say the least.
Without a doubt, feeling particularly vulnerable is something we all experience at one time or another. Usually, and hopefully, it is a temporary state of mind. It has likely been a more present living condition during these long months of Covid reality. We are all feeling more fragile. Our good health certainly cannot be taken for granted. In addition, we frequently learn that friends, loved ones, members of our community have been diagnosed with serious health issues. Car accidents happen. More issues may be cropping up associated with the “interesting” age we have thus far achieved. A favorite parishioner we always sat near at Mass is no longer able to attend in person. And the list goes on.
Feeling fragile involves feeling fear. In order to combat this fragility & fear funk, I have for sure been claiming and praying, “Jesus, I trust in you.” Psalm 23:4 bolsters me with the reminder “I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.” Another encouraging verse from Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?” And then a favorite from the New Testament: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
During my morning prayer this week, I found myself praising God for an attribute I don’t usually think of: his fearlessness. It dawned on me that because our God is fearless, I can be fragile minus the fear. He’s got this covered!
Out of this realization came my prayer:
Thank you for not being afraid of our messy emotions, Lord. For not avoiding us when we confess our sins. For not averting your eyes when our souls are naked and afraid. Thank you for your openness and approachability whenever we run to you, no matter the hour or the day. We are amazed that you are unafraid to shower us continually with so many good gifts even when we often squander them. Thank you for your fierce and fearless love. Amen.