"Though all three men faced the same hardship, their differing perceptions of it appeared to be shaping their fates. Louie and Phil's hope displaced their fear and inspired them to work toward their survival, and each success renewed their physical and emotional vigor. Mac's resignation seemed to paralyze him and the less he participated in their efforts to survive, the more he slipped. Though he did the least, as the days passed, it was he who faded the most. Louie and Phil's optimism, and Mac's hopelessness, were becoming self-fulfilling."
—
Laura Hillenbrand (
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption)
This quote struck me. Hope and optimism are synonyms for me. I find hope in many parts of my life. Yet at times I fear. A paralyzing fear. This fear has limited what I do and what I don't do. Hillenbrand said this in such a way that I want to let go of the fear and move forward relying on the
Living Water.
How do you conquer your fear or paralysis?
3 comments:
I pray for strength. Sometimes that strength is a long time coming, but the Lord has never let me down.
=)
Neat quote! I use the phrase "squash the spider." I hate spiders... the more I think about killing one the more scared I become. But if I just do it right away there is no time for true fear. I use this in other aspects of life too.... when I am afraid to do something I just think "squish the spider."
Over and over in the book I reflected on Louie's inner strength, and ultimately his renewed faith in God. Whenever things are unbalanced in my life I find myself singing a familiar song, a Child's Prayer. The words "Lord are you there, do you hear my prayer..." leave me feeling like he really is there, no matter what!
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