What Makes Us Strong in the Face of Fear?

Everyone is confronted by an unpleasant fact of life that most of us try to avoid. Even though we respond to life’s challenges differently and we may be proud of our resilience, there are still situations that cause us to fear.

Do Not Be Afraid

The sense of being afraid, which we all experience at some time in our lives, can be so strong that it can immobilize us and literally stop us in our tracks. It may be the loss of employment or loss of a loved one. We may experience a health challenge, or some of our cherished dreams and goals may not materialize and we are fearful and unsure of what to do next. In many cases, we have to make a big decision and we’re fearful of making the wrong one. In today’s climate of conflict, many fear what the future holds.

A poignant answer for how to respond to worrisome and stressful situations is found in the Christmas story of an angel visiting the shepherds in the field. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). We can gain insight from the shepherds’ reaction. “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us’” (Luke 2:15). After first having been terrified, the shepherds agreed among themselves what they would do next, working as a team. They went to find the newborn Jesus.

Find Supportive Relationships

One of the ways to be strong in the face of life’s fearful situations is to seek the support of like-minded friends or family members. Find at least one or two positive people—friends, family, maybe coworkers—you can turn to in confidence and share your fears. The truth is that no one is an island. Let us reach out to those we trust and let them help us through trying times and challenging situations. Let us allow them to comfort and lift us up and help see us through the fearful experience.

Developing friendships and relationships with those who can support us when needed begins with our being trustworthy, supportive, and able to see the divinity in others. As we live our lives with humility and compassion, then through the law of radiation and attraction we will identify and attract to us the people who can help us through particular situations in our lives.

It may help to be part of a spiritual community, where you are more likely to find like-minded individuals. Yet it is always a matter of discernment to decide whom to trust and share information with. The main idea is that whatever you are going through, you don’t have to go through it alone. You can overcome the fear and anxiety more quickly and smoothly with the help of others.

During this holiday season, let us truly release our burdens and fears by allowing others to support us with their positive, sacred, and uplifting consciousness.

This article first appeared in the Unity booklet The Comfort of Christmas: Advent 2024.