Some Things Are Scary is a children's book by Florence Parry Heide. The story is told from a child's point of view about places, situations and imaginings that are scary. Some of the child's frights are funny such as "what if I had been born a hippopotamus", "discovering your hamster's cage is empty and knowing your mom is going to be upset" and "knowing that someone is going to jump out at you at any moment and yell BOO!".
There are many more scenarios listed in the book. Although the book is about childhood scary things, many of these also are scary for adults. We know that a big bird with big teeth is not going to swoop down on us and carry us away but we often feel that we have no control over what is happening is our lives. Having people laugh at you and you have no idea why happens to adults all the time. We all know we should not judge people by their clothing, color of their skin or their occupation but it happens. You find out that your best friend has another best friend and you wonder if they are talking about you. As adults we all should know that gossip about friends and coworkers is never good. I would tell my kindergarten and pre-K students that words can hurt more than a skinned knee and you can never get those words back once they are spoken. There are many more situations that we adults often find themselves involved in that make us feel worried or that we are horrible human beings. We know all about the power of prayer, that we can speak to God when we need to and we know that God is tuned in to our lives and is listening. One of my favorite Bible verses that can reassure us is "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7. My other favorite verse on the subject of "stopping overwhelming fear" is from John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Thank you God for always being near and always rescuing me from all my fears, worries and mistakes!
"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" - Corrie ten Boom
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