Never Be Afraid!

Never Be Afraid

A few weeks ago, my family went to see the film, The Croods. It is a lovely movie about a prehistoric family struggling to survive in the world where they live. After watching the film, I was surprised at how well we all can relate to these memorable characters.

At the beginning of the movie, the father repeatedly told his family, “Always be afraid.” This mantra kept his family alive. The problem was it also kept them sheltered and unable to experience anything new. As the world changed around them, they were unable to cope on their own with the new challenges facing them.

As I think about my own family, I often wonder if I am telling them the same message as the father of the movie. I love my children and want to protect them from any danger that may present itself. The only problem is if I keep them from everything or person that may cause them danger and harm, they will never get to experience anything, even the good. When they are no longer with me, how will they be able to think on their own or make decisions on their own? Scary as it is, I have to give my children opportunities now to experience life and make their own choices. Of course, this requires some careful guidance from time to time and a lot of talking afterwards.

Our heavenly father works this way too. He gives us a chance to experience life and the opportunity to make choices for ourselves. He also provides guidance when we need it, if we are willing to listen. Never did he say, “Hide and be afraid.” Instead, he sent his own son into the world to live and be a part of the people. Jesus experienced the world. He associated with many different types of people and made choices just like us. Never once did Jesus hide in fear from the world.

At the end of the film, the father of The Croods finally told his children, “Never be afraid.” He came to realize by constantly living in fear, his family closed themselves off from the infinite possibilities that just may help them live. By the same token when we are close-minded and afraid, we often keep ourselves from being open to some of the very blessings God wants to give us.

This week, never be afraid! When you are, it’s okay. Just remember, you can always pray and ask for help getting past your fears and anxieties.

Apples or Peaches

Some Native Americans have the saying, it's better to be a peach than an apple. An apple is  red on the outside and white at the center. On the other hand, a peach is white on the outside, but when you cut it open, it is red at its core.

Our family is proud of its American Indian heritage. I love the languages, the cultures, the beliefs, and most importantly, the people. They have a strength, resilience, and determination that I can only dream of having. As a blond haired, blue eyed kid, I knew I could never look like the typical Native American, but in my heart, I took comfort that I didn't have to be an apple. I could be a peach. At my core, I could be native.

As I have gotten older, I still want to be that peach. Deep, down where it matters most, if they cut me open, I pray they find that I am red through and through. Not only because I am Native American at heart, but because I try to be genuine, real, and most importantly, a believer.

A well known teacher sat and watched as money was being given at the temple. People paraded in. Many put on a big to do. They were dressed up in their very best clothes. They rode in on fancy horses and camels. The men showed off. They bragged about what they brought to their friends and tossed it showily upon the gathered money.

In the midst of all this ruckus, an older woman, all alone, crept up to the front and placed her few meager savings upon the pile. Some laughed at the sight of her. Others scoffed at the amount she gave. The teacher looked at those sitting with him, and to their surprise, he said this woman had given more than any of the rest had.

I like this story because it isn't about money. When you get right down to it, it's about what is at a person's core.  Are you a believer? Do you have faith? Are you genuine through and through in every action, word, and deed? As you go throughout the rest of Holy Week, ask yourself, "If they cut me open, what would they find at my core?"