Fear is a normal, protective, emotional response to anything perceived as a threat. It first originates in the mind as a thought, before a response is generated. When fear is triggered, people often respond in one of three ways: fight, flight or freeze. We are currently living in a season of uncertainty due to the changes taking place to our lifestyle and comfort zone because of COVID-19. This can certainly be perceived as a threat, and can cause emotions like fear and anxiety to emerge. Yet, there are those who even fear change itself, no matter how trivial. Are you fearful of the threat of this virus and the changes taking place? How are you responding? There is really no where to flee; this is a global pandemic, so flight is pointless. Are you frozen by fear, hiding away, hoping it will be over soon; or are you willing to fight so you can still enjoy your best life ever, in spite of the threat? Changes are not always easy, even changing something far less threatening, such as one’s hairstyle.
Sometimes Change Is Good!
A new hairstyle can be like a fresh start, giving you a new outlook about yourself. It can boost your confidence, make you feel pretty, or sassy or just more in style with the times. There are so many reasons people desire a new look. And then again there are those that are of the mind set: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it; and that’s okay too. There are some people who want a new look but don’t realize that they are of the latter mind set. These people can be a great source of frustration to hairdressers. One of the most common things we hairdressers hear people say in our styling chair that both confuse and amuse us is: “I’m really bored with my hair and I want a new look. But I don’t want it layered and I don’t want you to take anything off the length.” Friends, if that’s ever been you, I want you to understand that while you desire a new look, you are not permitting your hairdresser to make any changes. Basically you are too comfortable with the way it is, even though you’re frustrated at the way you look. You don’t have to be afraid of change. Hair grows and you might be missing out on your best look ever.
If you have a stylist who has not let you down in the past, talk to them about your desires and your fears about the new look. They will explain the pros and cons, helping you make that decision. Your consultation should take into consideration the best look for your face shape, hair texture and density. Density is the thickness of your hair and texture relates to it being curly, wavy or straight. Your stylist should also give you a clear explanation of the maintenance involved and the products needed to recreate the look at home. After a thorough consultation, you should either feel confident about moving forward with the new style or not. If you do, then you have nothing to worry about. Just go for it!
Coping With Fear In This Pandemic
Since I have already mentioned that flight is not a reasonable option as a response to fear, that leaves two options left: freeze or fight. It is understandable that many people will remain in the security of their home at this time, not risking their health or the health of their loved ones. However, total seclusion lowers one’s immune system and does nothing to alleviate the fear. If left unchecked, it can lead to depression and other unwise coping mechanisms such as, anger, hostility, substance abuse and over eating, etc… These all lead to other health problems that can compromise your immune system and contribute to becoming at risk. This is totally unnecessary and robs you of your potential for joy and an abundant life available to you, in spite of the current circumstances. So your best choice is to fight!
Remember you are not alone in this battle. While the pandemic is real, the battle of fear originates in the mind. I will remind you once again it is a spiritual battle and you have a heavenly host on your side and spiritual weapons to help you cope and overcome fear.
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
God has provided us with His word, a major weapon for our warfare with the enemy. The adversary comes to instill fear and steal our potential to live the abundant life that our Lord offers. God’s promises are found in the Bible and we can count on His faithfulness to keep them, when we put our trust in Jesus and live our life in accordance to His word. We do this with an attitude of faith and expectant hope that I had mentioned in my previous blog. I share with you now this scripture from the psalms that contains a promise I believe speaks directly to us, for such a time as this.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91: 1-11 ESV
We can clearly see the psalmist is declaring his trust in the Lord during a time of plague and pestilence. Although he sees people dying all around him, he speaks out with joyful expectation how the Lord will keep him safe because His word promises this and he trusts in Him. The latter part of the psalm is the prophetic response from the Lord, relayed to the hearers through the words of the psalmist.
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91: 14-16 ESV
Friends, don’t let fear steal your potential for your best life ever, even in uncertain times. God is faithful to fulfill His promises when we seek Him, love Him and abide in Jesus. Although there is no need to be fearful, please understand that God’s word also instructs you to be obedient to the authorities and not to be foolish. So, as you trust the Lord for His protection, continue practicing your social distancing and wear your mask out in public. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe; may He remove any fearful emotions, as you take your thoughts to Jesus and may the reading of His word comfort you and fill you with peace. I ask this for you in Jesus name, Amen! Check out the Abide meditation below on defeating fear. I will end this week’s blog with a poem I wrote back in April about our current times:
PANDEMIC
It’s a time of sorrow and a time of fear
Some cope with laughter, others whiskey, wine and beer
Isolation brings depression from believing the lies
While substance abuse silently reaches all time highs
Fear mongers, like vultures, ravage the minds
Of the radical and vulnerable and similar of kind
And they blame their leader for whatever they can
As if he were a god and not just a man
While conventionalists scream conspiracy
Alluding only to heresy, further widening the divide
They all tear down our nation at its very core
Letting bitterness and anger rage on more and more
This once was a land so mighty and blessed
But disdain for the creator has left it a mess
Yes it’s a time of sorrow and a time of fear
But there is One who can help waiting to draw near
So get rid of your idols and humbly repent
His love offers forgiveness and for healing He was sent
He will take the veil from your eyes, so you can clearly see
Your best life ever and how it is meant to be
Just come to Jesus, He’s waiting for you
He’ll carry your burdens and heal this land too!
What Jesus offers cost nothing to you
It’s free for the taking, whether you’re gentile or Jew
~Nancy Barbery 2020
Thank you for reading my blog and letting me encourage you in the faith. For further information on some of the foundations for my belief in the power of new beginnings through a personal relationship with Jesus, please let me know so I may continue to encourage you in your walk with the Lord. I will blog again soon about toxins to the mind and body.
Beautifully written message about fear. In times as the ones we’re living in, this is just necessary to read and read again. With God on our side we won’t be shaken!
So wonderfully expressed. A great reminder that God is in control and that we need to do our part, but continue to trust in His ultimate plan. The verse written is beautiful. Nancy, you are so talented. Thank you for sharing.