| by Brenda Branson (Hanson, Kentucky) Copyright © September 2000 |
|---|
| I am a prisoner . . . confined not by bars or locked doors but by harsh words and raised fists. I am just a few steps away from the open door of freedom but fear holds me back. Fear that his opinion of me may be true . . . That I might really be stupid and unfit. Fear that I will fail on my own and face his sneers of contempt as he watches me struggle. Fear that no one else will ever love me or comfort me when I’m lonely and afraid. Even though he often withheld love and comfort, at least he was there. Fear of losing my most precious treasure—my children . . . Maybe I will never see them again, as he has threatened Perhaps they will even blame me for leaving. Fear of dashing my children’s hopes destroying their security denying their dreams and diminishing their trust. Fear of bringing disgrace on the name of my Lord Fear of judgmental Christians . . . Fear of the unknown. So I remain here, a prisoner in my own home Wearing a mask of contentment and happiness on the outside While I am slowly dying on the inside. Freedom beckons me . . . Do I dare get up and run outside? Or settle for the stifling sameness and strange comfort of bondage? Fear . . . The shackle which chains me to the known Or the motivation which gives me courage to confront the evil. The choice is mine. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 |
Views: 1
Sign up to Receive [The "New" Church of God Messenger] weekly newsletter: