In light of the emotions that this pandemic have evoked- do you feel calm? Or are you fearful? What is the opposite of fear for you? According to dictionary.com, the antonym of fear is calmness and confidence. In a poll of two (my husband and myself- we are complying to the stay-at-home order), we were saying the opposite of fear could also be trust and courage.

My nephew has spoken about fear in one of his latest sermons and blog posting. #fearstopshere. He likens the contagion of fear to the pandemic and challenges each one of us to stop the spreading of that fear and be the non-anxious presence in your networks. I would say, be the face of calm.

I like the word calm and the picture it evokes in my mind: that of stillness, peace, and tranquility. It reminds me of the little-to-no breezy days of the beach. The days when the water is calm and you can see the sandy bottom- the little minnows, the snails, the hermit crabs and all the water life.

It is only through calmness that we can see clearly. It is only through peace can we promote understanding. It is only through stopping fear that we can trust and be courageous.

What about you? How can you be the calming presence in your community? Do you need to name your fears? Do it. Say them out loud or write them down. Then rip up the paper and say, “I choose to not be fearful. I choose to be the face of calm today.”