FEAR’S STRONG HOLD     by Linda Mae Richardson

     If you feel that you have not experienced fear…be thankful! However, for the majority us, fear has become an unwelcome intruder in our hearts and home…especially for cancer patients, survivors and their families. And because fear is often based upon our own personality, temperament, and individual history, some may experience more fear than others. Fear is a very real emotion which can also affects us physically and sometimes spiritually. It can even be debilitating for some individuals who for many reasons, are unable to move beyond, around or through fear, while others seem to move through their cancer experience, coping with very little fear along the way. We all have different beliefs and faith as we enter our own cancer journey, but the truth is that almost everyone will meet "fear" face to face upon their diagnosis of cancer and as they travel the road ahead.

     The power of fear can be an ongoing battle and though it may take a different period of time for each of us, most will discover more effective ways to cope when fear takes hold of our life and won't let go. But though difficult circumstances may allow fear to enter in; God is greater still and will empower us to win the battle with fear. Then, once we have been strengthened, it's important that we remind each other to reach back to shine the light of hope for those who come after us.