I’ve been thinking a lot about fear over the past few days as Hurricane Florence hovers off the coast, massive and deadly. I’ve watched as fear has set people in motion. The interstate was jammed with travelers last night as I made my way home. They were all heading inland. I pray that fear does it’s work and pushes everyone to evacuate their coastal homes in exchange for higher ground. I pray for those unable to move or without the resources to relocate in the face of what could be a terrible storm. Gleaming metal grocery store shelves are being picked clean as people stock up in case the worst happens. Fear is at work and is producing good results in a number of ways. When fears leads us to action on behalf of ourselves and those we love, it can be a powerful force for good. It has just as much power however, to work in opposite ways.

Fear can lead us to believe that I must provide for me and mine at the cost of others. Patience, like gallons of milk will become scarce as the storm approaches. Tempers will trigger more easily. Not only will people feel the need to provide for their family, they will come to believe that they can only do so by getting what they need before others get there first.  Instead of everyone preparing together to face a common enemy, we begin to eye each other warily. Now my enemy isn’t the storm, but the person next door, an enemy that could get the last of the gasoline or last loaf of bread before I have a chance to. It doesn’t take much for our minds to find danger not just in the wind and rain, but to see it in the car next to us as well.

Watching these terrible hurricanes gather strength as they hover over warm ocean waters resembles the way fear grows and churns in vacuums of self-centeredness. When we believe that the only way that for us to thrive is at the cost of others, fear wins. We lose something valuable inside of ourselves. Rather than leading to action, the fear pools inside of us and stagnates, turning to anger and resentment.

As the storm plays out over the next several days, I hope that you will turn your fear into action. Action, not only for you and yours, but for a neighbor, or a stranger in need. Fear isn’t enjoyable, but when we leverage it for the good of others, it loses its power. So stay safe, and stay on the lookout for those who may need a helping hand. We are at our best when we face challenges together.