Devotionals

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Overcoming Fears And Hatreds
© 2008

by


Stephen A. Peterson


Sylvia McCann, 14, was teased relentlessly by her classmates concerning her deep fear and hatred of earthworms. Her problems manifested itself when, in a biology class, she was required to dissect an earthworm. Sylvia became so ill a paramedic team was called to revive her as she hyperventilated so badly. Recognizing the situation her biology teacher came forward to help her overcome her fears.

“You do not have t be subjected to this problem alone,” the teacher told her. “For the most part, a person fears what he or she fails to know or understand, then loathing and hatred follow. Jog, walk fast or do ten sit-ups as you do one of these exercises. Take a deep breathes—and list one thing about an imaginary earthworm.

“I thought I was going to die,” Sylvia told a classmate. “But I was able to think of a worm crawling along a concrete street then in a flower garden to help flowers and other plants grow.”

Sylvia added information about earthworms to her daily list. After about two months, Sylvia came to recognize some of the benefits of earthworms to life on earth. She learned worms allow water to enrich the soil as they burrow downward, provide a variety of animals with a source of food, and allow just about every plant it comes in contact with to prosper. These among a few things Sylvia learned about worms. Although she had no plans to set up an earthworm farm any time in the near future, she did indicate a much deeper appreciation of earthworms.

Today when you encounter a fear of something, you might take a walk, swim or jog with a prayer then search for positive qualities with which to build upon with regards to God’s creations. Perhaps, you may learn to overcome what you fear or hate about creation.

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