Though I cannot remember the initial instance when my dad said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” I know that it stuck like glue in my young mind. As a little girl, I was fascinated by this concept. In the beautiful simplicity of childhood, the fears that I combatted with this statement were feats such as being unafraid on horseback or jumping into freezing water of a natural spring at our hunting camp. I even remember quoting it to friends to help them get past the irrational thoughts that all too often grip our hearts. But, as we age and grow more knowledgeable in the ways of the world, fear takes on a more subtle pervasiveness and tries to sneak into countless facets of life. The particularly crippling fear that I want to address today is the fear of man, particularly the worry of others’ opinions or feelings towards me.
In my last post, Block the Block, I admitted that this blog had been neglected due to writer’s block. Part of what I learned through examining that condition is that in making myself vulnerable in this way, I am subjecting myself to the scrutiny of the public eye. In brainstorming for new content, I often encounter the hurdle called “What will they think of me?,” and, again, find myself repeating the truth unveiled to me by my dad– “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Upon his 1933 inauguration, newly elected president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, addressed a depression-stricken nation in a manner more candid and somber than he typically employed. It was in his opening remarks that he famously said, “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Now, remember the situation at that time– the country was reeling from unemployment and poverty, both serious deficits, like never before. It is not that Roosevelt had an obliviously entitled “Let them eat cake” attitude because he covered the many hardships at hand with great empathy, but he made the point that their difficulties concerned material things and therefore could be endured and overcome. (Read the entire speech here.)
If the fear of Great Depression perils could be overcome by the realization that fear was the more toxic problem than the actual perils, how much more should we recognize the irrationality of fear? If allowed, it can keep you from your purpose, so it must not be entertained.
In my case, I must choose to be compelled by an unction to write boldly and honestly rather than by the whims and temptation of popularity. One obvious issue with being controlled by the fear of man is that there are so many contradictory opinions that there is no way to please everyone. Therefore, it is easy to become trapped in a paralyzed, unfulfilled existence.
Roosevelt also said this in his inaugural address: “Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. The joy and moral stimulation of work no longer must be forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits. These dark days will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men.”
Though he contrasts the obsession of wealth attainment with honest work and creativity, I find that upholding some idea of people-pleasing at the cost of neglecting my heart is equally detrimental. Let’s share our God-given creativity and talent with the world and refuse to let fear get in the way!
