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Conquering fears

Pastoral Messages | April 4, 2024

My mother loves to tell the story of my first trip to an amusement park. I was about five years old when my family took a week to visit Williamsburg, VA. I loved the historic colonial Williamsburg, I splashed all around the local water park, but I was completely terrified of Busch Gardens. The giant Loch Ness Monster rollercoaster that roars over your head as you enter the park didn’t help. 

My mom was determined to get me to ride ONE ride. I was determined to do anything but. Everything was big, loud, and scary. Even the simple swing carousel. It didn’t matter that I loved the swing set at home. It didn’t matter that I loved riding carousels. Putting the two together was a no-go in my toddler view of the world. But my mom forced me onto the ride, by myself. And I cried the entire time. Loudly. Naturally, my mom managed to snag a photo to commemorate my childhood nightmare.

As many of you with young kids have probably already guessed, the first words out of my mouth when I got off the ride were, “I want to go again!” My fears had been conquered. My terror was gone. I had discovered the joy and exhilaration of riding the swings. But not before giving my parents far too much grief. 

Four days after Easter, we know this very experience as Christians. Good Friday ends with rolls of thunder and the light of the world receding into darkness. It’s easy to think that all our hope is lost, all we have left is fear. But Easter morning comes around, and we discover the joy and peace from God’s raising of Jesus from the dead. By going through Christ’s death and resurrection once, we have so many new opportunities to relish all of life. Death no longer controls us; it doesn’t have the final say. Now our lives are filled with a new perspective and a new abundance where anything is possible! 

Mac Mullins, pastor in residency

2 Comments on “Conquering fears”

  • Deb Lamp

    April 6, 2024 at 4:16 pm

    I can really know how death does not control us. I really liked your message. Thank you

  • Irene Hanssen

    April 4, 2024 at 3:07 pm

    Tell me about amusement park rides. Our youngest son had no fear. This irritated the older boy. He would “suck it up” if the sake of pride. They are still this way.

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