Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is” [German proverb].
Ah, the story of the Three Little Pigs. You know it, don’t you? Three little pigs are forced from their home to seek their fortunes. Two of the pigs make poor decisions and fall victim to the Big Bad Wolf.
The third pig, however, was quite industrious and quick-witted. He made wise decisions and, even though he was afraid, he took action — outsmarting the wolf on a number of occasions. By the conclusion of the story, the third little pig had conquered his fear, and his adversary, and lived happily ever after.
“Many of our fears are tissue paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them” [Brendan Francis Behan].
Like the pigs, we spend our time building cozy little lives, lulling ourselves into a false sense of security. We are shocked and frightened when the wolves begin circling the property, huffing and puffing. Can I share a powerful secret with you? “If you knew how cowardly your enemy is, you would slap him. Bravery is knowledge of the cowardice in the enemy” [Edgar Watson Howe].
How do you respond to monsters outside your door? With open arms, ready to take on your adversary and prove yourself? Or do you cry and moan, so paralyzed by fear that you cannot even consider confronting the terrifying circumstances that torment you?
“Fear is the most devastating of all human emotions. Man has no trouble like the paralyzing effects of fear” [Paul Parker].
Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? Afraid to open your eyes and look at the horror story that has become your life? Or, maybe it’s not even the “right now” of your life that is terrifying to you.
Perhaps, it is the “what could be” that keeps you out of the game. So fearful of sustaining an injury, or missing the ball, or stumbling in front of the crowd, that you continually rehearse the possible failures in your mind. There is no need for you to waste time stepping out on the court to face the opposing team, you have defeated yourself before the competition even begins.
We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes”
[John F. Kennedy].
So I have to ask, “What’s prowling around, threatening to huff and puff and blow your house in?” (Just a little side note here: I’m fairly certain no one has ever been seriously injured due to an opponent’s huffing and puffing.) What’s creating the fear that stops you in your tracks? What’s keeping you hiding in the closet? Think about what Andre Gide said. “There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them.”
Isn’t it time to take control and begin living? Stand up straight. Put on your game face. Act brave. Run toward the battle. Get up tomorrow and do it all over again.
Not everyone out there facing the Big Bad Wolf feels like a superhero or looks forward to the battle. On the contrary. “The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly” [Cora Harris].
A good number of the people you witness fighting courageously in the midst of a tough battle, don’t feel very brave. Yet they continue to fight on, acting confident every minute of the day — until the Big Bad Wolf is defeated, and they emerge victorious!
You cannot run away from a weakness. You must sometimes fight it out or perish; and if that be so, why not now, and where you stand?” [Robert Louis Stevenson].
Whatever you are, be a good one!
Deanna
