Don't let fear paralyze you

Chapman University released its 10th consecutive study on fear in America toward the end of October, and the findings this year point to heightened anxiety and worry within the country. With 1,008 participants surveyed, Chapman researchers questioned them "about more than 90 fears and related behaviors." The top five responses were corrupt government officials, loved ones becoming seriously ill, cyberterrorism, loved ones dying, and Russia deploying nuclear weapons. Fear of not being financially secure for the future, our country becoming involved in another world war, and terrorism and biological warfare rounded out the remaining top 10. With this having been an election year in an incredibly hostile climate, it's no surprise that the respondents would be nervous about the moral character of our politicians. Before looking at Chapman's survey results, I would have guessed finances making the top five concerns, but it's understandable that many people feel unease regarding the health of close relatives, especially if they lost immediate family members during the COVID-19 pandemic.When considering the disturbing global events we see nonstop on national news outlets, in addition to the problems we have on our domestic front, these are certainly some scary times. The Chapman respondents also listed being fearful of North Korea dipping into its nuclear arsenal. These fears have probably intensified as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently warned the U.S. of stoking international tensions and the possibility of a "most destructive thermonuclear war." North Korea has sent troops to aid Russia in the Ukrainian conflict, while our relations with Russia continue to be strained.Although finances weren't the No. 1 worry for the Chapman participants, a recent Mind over Money survey by Capital One and The Decision Lab showed that lack of funds was a major stressor among Americans. Their sample size was 1,011 U.S. adults over the age of 18, and 68% stated they feared not having enough money to retire. Fifty-six percent were anxious about keeping up with the rising costs of living, and 43% stated that their money problems were affecting their physical health, causing them to feel heavily fatigued.So, we are worried, bothered and anxious about many things. I can relate to being worried about money and the health of relatives. When I was much younger, I used to constantly stress over money due to working part time. More recently, I have become the caregiver for my mother, and we had a health scare at the end of 2023 when she fell in her garage at home in Georgia. In bringing my mother to live with me in Ohio, I take her to weekly physical therapy appointments, and we've seen her new family physician numerous times this year.In thinking more about the Chapman and Capital One survey results as we approach Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas holiday season, I was reflecting on how Scripture instructs us to exercise our faith in God over fear. One of the most well-known New Testament verses regarding overcoming fear is 2 Timothy 1:7. The Amplified version reads, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline (abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control)." I'm learning in my Christian walk that when you have a well-balanced mind and self-control, it's impossible for fear to reign over your life. This doesn't mean that you won't ever get scared when dealing with difficult circumstances, but when you tap into your divine spiritual power, fear won't paralyze you.With everything we presently see going on that is inciting fear in so many Americans, I believe this Thanksgiving is not only a blessed time to give thanks to God despite the trouble around us but also a time to ask for wisdom in navigating the future. And I also want to rest in assurance in knowing that God's counsel stands no matter what world leaders devise in their hearts. I've lived long enough to know that fearing never solves what we are most apprehensive about. It only makes matters worse by triggering our emotions.Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus. Email her at smojc.jj@gmail.com. Follow her on X: @JjSmojc.