As a year draws to a close, I find myself caught with others in a reflection of past, present, and future. In the quietness and noise of life, in the moments of solitude as well as gatherings with friends, in the back of my soul a show continues to play. This show has layers of characters and meanings. It is a strange mix of reality and imagination across each time perspective. Each scene blends seamlessly with the other, moving backwards and forward, relentless playing on my heart and mind.
It is impossible to deny that Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt are part of this show. In any given moment, they are lead characters! As much as I try to push them off the stage, they quietly return with renewed energy. I can try to fight them, but I have come to believe that this is never the answer. I can try to appease them, but their appetite knows no bounds, so this option is as fruitless as a fight. The one things that works for me is to wrestle with each. It is an unending battle, yet it deals with the core cry for attention even as it continues without end.
I do not know how others deal with the demons that live within their hearts and minds. For me, Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt are the strongest demons I know. At times when I go to battle thinking I must win, “when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache…” (Psalm 73.16) Life reminds me that winning is defined by the living and doing of my values and priorities.
In my journey there are three points at the crux of the battle.
Actions and living are the ways I articulate the values of my soul.
Fears, uncertainty, and doubt are tangibly real. They require space in which to survive, otherwise they will eat me alive from the inside out in order to live.
Hope lives as we reach for our aspirations. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt get to watch in awe.
