The catastrophe in Haiti is certainly fearsome. Recently in the news, we also learn that US Intelligence experts are experiencing “palpable angst” about possible new terrorist attacks. Fear is what terrorists love to create. It can be needlessly crippling for some. Yet, facing fear is a fact of life. My dad used to tell me that if everything we fear were likely to happen each day, many of us would never get out of bed. A person could become too afraid to drive a car or preoccupied with the fear of catching the flu or unnecessarily fearful about earthquakes.

The truth is most of what we fear never happens. This is a proven fact. And, often, the fearful things that happen could not have been prevented. What is the answer? Be prepared and respond well when difficult things occur. It may sound too easy to say and difficult to do, but wisdom says, “Be wise, be strong, and prepare for life’s challenges.” Such readiness is about staying in good health, spending money prudently, and setting aside what may be needed for a rainy day, a checkless payday, or an emergency situation. If and when “stuff happens,” be there on the frontlines solving problems and caring for others.

If you want the best reference I know on how to be less fearful, even FEARLESS, read the book by my great friend, Steve Chandler, entitled, Fearless: Creating the Courage to Change the Things You Can.

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