Live Like a Guide Dog: A Plan for Turning Fear Into CourageSample

Day 1: Awareness

Reflection:

Fear is normal—it causes a physiological response to threats. Fear is a gift—it often protects us from risky behavior. But the Bible tells us to not be afraid. In fact, “fear not” is one of the most often repeated commands in God’s Word. By some counts, it’s found in Scripture 365 times--one for each day of the year! How can we do that?

Transforming fear to courageous action begins with our first strategy: awareness. What exactly is making us feel afraid? What’s really going on?

My upbringing trained me to be aware, but not allow fear to overwhelm me. My parents taught me that blindness was not something to be feared, but rather it was just a part of me. It’s not that I didn’t sometimes feel scared. But I learned early how to control it—and use it. In a moment when we feel fear—which is a natural, physical reaction—we can either panic and be blinded by our fear, or we can leverage the hyperawareness that is a part of fear to help us walk forward. I also realized that the more aware you are, the less you will feel afraid. Because we primarily fear the unknown.

The guide dog looks to its handler for direction—not just where to go, but how to approach any situation. When I feel afraid, I begin not by denying it, but becoming aware of it. I make a conscious decision to keep from panicking. I notice and pay attention to the involuntary physiological response that fear can elicit, and begin to control my breathing, my body movements, all my external behaviors so that my dog can stay calm and so I can even mitigate those physiological reactions. Rather than spiral into panic mode, I focus on self-awareness and self-control.

When we slow down and become aware, we can also become aware of God’s comforting presence. God promises never to leave or forsake us. Becoming aware of that truth is often the first step toward moving forward in courage.

God, when I feel afraid, help me to become more aware. Help me to be aware of Your presence in each moment, and to pay attention to You.