LIFTING THE FEAR

A story is told of a child who had to walk each evening past a dark, spooky house. Some adults sought to give him courage. One handed him a good luck charm to ward off the ghosts. Another had a light put on the dreaded corner. Still another said earnestly, "It is sinful to be afraid. Trust God and be brave!" The advice was good, but he offered nothing more.

Then someone said with compassion, "I know what it is to be afraid. I will walk with you past the house." He did nothing to remove the fear--except to lift it from the child's shoulders and place it on his own.