NO FEAR
I’m not sure if the term or company “No Fear” is patented or not, but you gotta hand it to the person who thought of using it to market clothing and accessories – sheer genius. It’s a big lie, of course, but hey! They’re just giving the masses what they want. I know a couple of things for sure, one, whoever marketed or patented that brand didn’t make up the term “no fear”. And two, there’s always a certain amount of fear… regardless of what your T-shirt says.
I remember trying to use those simple words as an affirmation decades before I ever heard of knew what an affirmation was. I recall chanting those two words to myself only loud enough for me to hear before doing something really stupid… Like jumping of ridiculously high cliffs into the shallow and swift Colorado River, doing flips off cliffs into the lake, jumping over bottomless pits deep inside pitch black abandoned mine shafts, to name a few.
The only reason I talked to myself quoting that now famous tag line was due to the fact that I was overwhelmed with fear. In fact, the word “fear” seems a bit weak to describe the feelings I had while trying to overcome them by lying to myself. Sheer terror seems a bit more apropos in hindsight.
Just like the people who are buying the T-shirts or products that tell the world they are fearless, I was telling the world and myself that I was tough, fear didn’t own me, and nothing on God’s green earth could rattle me. I relished when my older brother’s friends called me “Fearless Floyd.” I had them fooled…
In truth it is fear itself that can be a person’s biggest motivator. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit it’s been a driving force in my life. The world is filled with people who fear so much what other people think of them, they’ll do some crazy things they really don’t feel comfortable with… and yet they do it with fear pushing them from behind and within.
It doesn’t take hanging around on this planet too many years to figure out the tainted quirks we possess and the other folks we share space and oxygen with. Generally speaking, and writing, I’ve learned that when someone is desperately trying to convince us of something, they’re also trying to convince themselves when it comes to fear, but neither party is taking the bait. It’s an act. When I see a young person sporting an article of clothing or product that says “No Fear,” I chuckle. That shirt screams the opposite. I know. Unless it’s a hand-me-down, that kid has more fear than the average bear.
When we begin to live our lives without the urge to make others think we’re a specific way or have a special trait and or talent, we begin to define ourselves through wisest form of communication, our actions. If we feel the need to convince someone of who we are, we should ask ourselves what our motivation is to be thought of in the way we desire.
Fear has served me well… too well. In the end it didn’t change what we all harbor; fear. I have to remind myself that “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Wish I’d have “begun” sooner… Facing fears for the purpose of God’s will brings a courage that defies and defeats the enemy of our souls.
“Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s what we do in spite of it.”
Maybe someone should come up with a new slogan? Like, “Much Fear, But More Courage.”
Hazel Moon
Saturday, August 10, 2013 @ 10:24 pm
Great Post Floyd, I like your quote – “Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s what we do in spite of it.” As a child my fears were being called on in class, or having to give an oral report. Then I learned that boldness can replace fear. Joyce Meyer has a book by the same title “Do it Afraid.” Yes, go ahead and get it done even if you are afraid. We can use a bit more boldness speaking out for Jesus. This will no doubt show up on “Tell Me a True Story.” I can just see you jumping off into the river! Glad you are still with us because that was dangerous!
Floyd
Saturday, August 10, 2013 @ 10:44 pm
That quote is a paraphrase from someone famous, but I can’t remember who! We all have fears and I like that tactic, “Do it afraid.” I’ve been doing that my whole life. But you nailed the most important thing for us to do in boldness is to share the truth of God’s love with those who so desperately need it. I’m always honored to be included in your blossoming post, “Tell Me a True Story.” Thanks, Hazel.
Betty Jo
Sunday, August 11, 2013 @ 2:16 am
Lord love a duck! Fearless Floyd you’re just another mind reader in this blogging community!! Your post is so timely for me. I’m struggling with something I’m hearing the Lord say, struggling with the fear of doing it. I’ve already said yes to Him. But, of course, that’s normally when the fear comes full force. I so relate to Much Afraid, in Hannah Hurnard’s book; “Hinds’ Feet on High Places.” I think she is my twin sister. I know Habakkuk 3:19 is the answer, “The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” And, it couldn’t hurt to have a tee with your phrase on it too; “Much Fear, But More Courage.” Love that!
Floyd
Sunday, August 11, 2013 @ 8:18 am
Thanks for making me laugh sitting in a hotel room by myself a long ways from home, Betty! You have the ability to communicate in words that stretch me from one end of my emotional pool to the other… I so appreciate it! I forgot about that verse, gonna have to go back and study that one. May God give you His supernatural strength as you step into His will. Blessings will abound, sister. We have more courage because we have our Father who powers the cosmos. Thanks, Betty.
Barb Raveling
Sunday, August 11, 2013 @ 7:26 pm
Hmm, I’d like to see my kids have a little more fear, and myself have a little less fear! And maybe like you said, they do have fear, but I’d like to see them use that fear to stop doing crazy things!!! I remember when I was young, I thought I was invincible. It just took a few scares to make me realize, “No, Barb, you aren’t invincible.” Writing a blog has been one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, but God has used it to help me grow.
Floyd
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 7:02 am
I’m with you, Barb. Time and wisdom have a way of catching up with us for sure. I think writing with God as the catalyst brings us a higher level of knowing not only Him, but ourselves as well. I respect that you stepped into the uncomfortable world sharing. You have a talent for it and teaching for sure. Keep it up, sister! And thanks.
Betty Draper
Sunday, August 11, 2013 @ 8:21 pm
“Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s what we do in spite of it.” Without a shadow of a doubt I know this statement to be true. The biggest cowards are the ones God will use the most if they are willing to just take one step with fear. There is a difference between careless fear and cautious fear also, cautious fear will count the cost and say, it is worth it. Careless fear never counts the costs. Love the quote my Joyce Myers…Do it Afraid…yes, yes, yes. Anything that eternal value God will fill us with courage if we will do it afraid. Great post Floyd…
Floyd
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 7:10 am
I like that quote too, “Do it afraid.” That’s what many of us have been doing all our lives and I think it’s easier with the right training as a child. Not one of us can walk through this world without some fear or discomfort, it’s just part of this fallen world. But as Paul told Timothy, “You were not born with the spirit of timidity.” So we lean into our Father with faith and He delivers us past that first step. Thanks, Betty. Those words are ringing with my soul, “The First Step.” Gotta jot that down, the ideas are rumbling.
bill (cycleguy)
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 2:47 am
I think back to some of the things I used to do and think “you have got to be kidding me! I did what?” All in an effort to prove my manhood I reckon. Crawling through caves filled with bat guana, through holes barely big enough to look through let alone squeeze through. jumping out of a moving truck because the driver passed up my stop. Stupid stupid stupid. Now? Call it wisdom. 🙂 Fear or courage now has nothing to do with it. 🙂
Floyd
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 7:13 am
I wonder if God doesn’t use those stupid things we did as youngsters to remind us that we’re not sit idle, but to reach out, even if it’s in spiritual ways? Courage is part of who you are now. I know people who would be willing to jump out of a moving truck before standing up and preaching! Thanks, Bill.
Jillie
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 6:28 am
Your subject today, “NO FEAR”, reminds me of the slogan “JUST SAY NO!” to drugs! Was it Nancy Reagan who came up with that one? Slogans are catchy. Slogans are simple-sounding. But slogans don’t take away fear…or temptation…or anything. They “sound” good in theory, but it takes a “Higher Power” to abolish the fears and temptations we face every day…especially for the young.
Joyce Meyer also came to mind for me–her saying to “Do it Afraid”–that makes a great deal of sense to me, especially when God is asking something of us. All He asks is that step of faith. I have a verse I quote to myself, from somewhere in Psalms, that says, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in YOU.” I say it to myself, A LOT! Good post, Fearless Floyd!
Floyd
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 7:17 am
I love that verse from Psalm! For those of us who know our Father have the right perspective on fear. We revere Him, not the world. The world and all of it’s scariest scenarios sit in the palm of His hand with us. I’m with you, Jillie, it’s all about that first step. You and Betty have the same thoughts that are swarming in my noodle for another post. Thanks, Jillie!
Mia
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 1:47 pm
Dear Floyd
Great observation about trying to mask our fears with stupidity!!! Ha! My oldest sounds a lot like you. Well, being serious now; when we look at our dearest Lord that evening prior to His crucifixion, we find Him terrified, asking Pappa to take away the cup He had to drink. Oh, Floyd, it breaks my heart when I think of what He went through. But what joy when He added that “nevertheless”, not His will but His Father’s. I firmly believe that when we ask our Pappa to glorify His name like Jesus did just before He died and committed His spirit into God’s hand, our prayer will surely be heard and answered.
Blessings XX
Mia
Floyd
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 3:47 pm
Great example of facing our fears, Mia. I didn’t even think of that! That should be the cornerstone of our thought! Our Father will deliver us… couldn’t agree more.
I hope your oldest doesn’t end up wearing all the scars I am! Some of us that are more on the stubborn side tend to take a little more wear and tear on the path to wisdom! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and insight, Mia. Excellent lesson.
Lisa notes
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 1:52 pm
Can I have a shirt with your new slogan? Love that! I could never even think about wearing one of the “No Fear” shirts. I’d be called out immediately as a fraud. ha.
Floyd
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 3:51 pm
If I find out that I’m going to be at a writers seminar I’m bringing you one! Don’t worry, I’ll bring another one just in case you chicken out, the other one will say, “I’m with stupid.” I’ll be sure to stand on your side the index finger of the big hand on your shirt is pointing to! Thanks, Lisa. And thanks for the inadvertent chuckle!
tcavey
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 1:58 pm
Do kids still wear the “No Fear” shirts?
Anyway, I’d buy a shirt with your logo…much more realistic and gives one the responsibility of living above the fear. Life’s about choices.
You so remind me of me. I rarely take a “dare” but if someone tells me I “can’t” do something, I’m off to prove them wrong. Thankfully the older I’ve gotten the less I fall for that manipulation from satan.
Floyd
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 3:54 pm
I’m so with you, TC. I took a lot of dares, but I’m with you, when someone tells me I can’t there is like a magic lever in my brain that kicks in… I think it must fall to the right side of my noggin because it makes my right eye twitch!
May we have no fear through our faith and knowledge of our Father of this world and may we revere He that grants us that peace in the midst of life’s storms.
I don’t mean this in the bad sense, but “it takes one to know one!” Thanks, TC.
Jennifer Dougan
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 6:39 pm
Hi Floyd,
Hmm, fear is a topic that came up in both of our posts today. Odd. 🙂 I liked your honesty on that fact that fear is something we all wrestle with at times, and then your last touch on the fear of the Lord.
Re your comment on my post “The Best Parenting Advice this Week,” that personal attention and interaction no matter their age? Good advice, friend. Thanks.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 4:02 pm
Fear is definitely part of this fallen world isn’t it? I don’t know anyone who has lived without it. But fearing the world instead of revering our Father is the beginning of problems. You know what they say about great minds! Thanks, Jennifer. Maybe I’ll go see if I can still climb a tree…
Dan Black
Monday, August 12, 2013 @ 9:44 pm
What a great post (as always) Love this statement: “In truth it is fear itself that can be a person’s biggest motivator.” Fear of what could happen or not happen when it comes to my future is a huge motivator for me.
Floyd
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 4:03 pm
Good call, Dan. Whatever problem or scenario that we can turn into a tool to help us achieve the things we desire in life is a blessing… as long as we don’t let it take us over. I like the way you think, brother! Thanks, Dan.
Dan Black
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 7:32 pm
It sure can.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 11:22 am
That’s okay, I got your back and you got mine!
Jason Stasyszen
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 8:01 am
The only way to be fearless is to be connected to our Father, as perfect love drives out fear. LIke you said, that kind of fearlessness doesn’t lead us to the inane or insane things we tend to do as youth, it leads us to godly pursuits, loving people, and doing great exploits. That is most certainly what I want! Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 4:05 pm
Me too, Jason. Revering our Father as the power over all of us and all the things in this world is the beginning of wisdom… That may not be the best paraphrase in the world, but you get the point! It kinda puts all things in their proper order… including fear. Thanks, Jason.
Bernard
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 10:58 am
Excellent Post. If we are truly, we all deal with some type of fear. Fear is a human reaction to something happening or not happening in our lives. I believe the fear that immobilizes and cripples us is the spirit of fear. This is the fear that causes us to take our eyes of God and focuses it on our situation or circumstance. The spirit of fear tells us to quit or it can’t be done. The spirit of fear is from the enemy of our soul. We combat the spirit of fear with faith in who God says we are and what He says we can do. Even when we feel natural fear, we can walk by faith and do what we need to do.
Floyd
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 4:09 pm
Amen, Bernard! This is your area of expertise! That nailed fear right down to the ground where it belongs as the enemy of our soul! Great summary and lesson, Bernard. Thanks for the encouragement that you always bring… That is your gift, brother. Well done!
Jay Cookingham
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 2:11 pm
Courage is choosing to believe that God will be with us through anything… even though I may be scared, I can still have courage to do what ever the Father asks. Good word brother!
“Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31: 6
Floyd
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 4:12 pm
Awesome passage, Jay. You preachers have a way of crossing the “T’s” and dotting the “I’s”. That stiffens the spine right up doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing that, Jay. What a great fellowship and encouragement today. Thanks a ton!
Jay Cookingham
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 5:46 am
You’re too kind brutha!
Joanne Norton
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 8:34 pm
Good thinking, as usual. I remember when I was much younger…teens, etc… that I was filled with fear [taking care of the kids alone at night/overnight, risking the beatings, losing lives b/c I wasn’t good enough] and I didn’t look fearful, b/c I was a “fighter” and filled with anger. A counselor I was sent to when I was headed to suicide b/c of depression, when I said I was filled with fear, he said, “Of course you are.” I said, “Really?” He said, “Yes.” And we moved forward and I did, and a few months later the Lord broke into my life and I was saved. Anyhow, I truly understand fear… and the fear is a challenge now, b/c of my physical and mental health issues that are confusing and kicking my tail at the moment. BUT your focus, your understanding, is, as usual, very straight-forward and very clear and understandable.
Floyd, you are greatly appreciated re: your comments on my blog. You are an encourager, and it’s a definite necessity.
Bless you.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 11:17 am
We all come to wisdom one way or the other don’t we? You probably have a deeper understanding than most of us due to the life you lived and you’re using it to benefit others. That’s a powerful ministry, Joanne. Thanks for the kind words and it’s always my pleasure to exchange thoughts.
Carolyn
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 12:07 pm
I’m new to your blog in the last few weeks, Floyd, and am loving it. Am a close friend of Betty Jo’s, and am so grateful that she told me about you and your writing, brother! Great post, and comments. Oh, how I hate fear. It sure comes in many disguises, doesn’t it? Loved your honesty re the slogan and your true feelings all those years back.
This caught my eye, though I could quote most of your post, lol . . . . . “I have to remind myself that “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Wish I’d have “begun” sooner… Facing fears for the purpose of God’s will brings a courage that defies and defeats the enemy of our souls.” Aaaaaaamen, brother, and thanks for such an awesome and timely post!!
Floyd
Thursday, August 15, 2013 @ 7:57 pm
Well it is an absolute honor to have you here, Carolyn! You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep… I truly am blessed to have you and your friend, Betty Jo here to add wisdom along with passion and grace. “Fear not, for He has overcome the world!” Thanks so much for stopping by, sister. I’m looking forward to exchanging thoughts and long distance fellowship.
Rachael
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 9:10 am
Love your new slogan! And I must add, “Perfect love casts out all fear.” I wish I had all the wisdom that comes with a fear of the Lord and a lack of fear that would allow me to love others well. I am lacking, though. I am working on the courage thing but fear gets in the way too often. Thanks for exposing this in me, Floyd:) Oh that He might be bigger in me than fear itself!
Floyd
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 10:42 am
It’s a fight for all of us, Jennifer and the beginning of overcoming our fears is to acknowledge that it’s there. I love that verse, “Perfect love casts out fear.” We’re all lacking, but our Father isn’t… and we gain courage and strength in Him as we acknowledge our weakness. I think you’ve got profound wisdom, sister. Thanks, Rachael.
David
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 12:24 pm
I don’t have much of worth to offer in the overcoming fear department because the fact of the matter is, I’ve spent most of my life letting fear overcome me to the point of not doing anything at all. Fear may have stopped me from doing a few “stupid” dangerous things, although I have done plenty of plain old stupid, non-dangerous things, but I’ve also let it stop me from doing a few good things as well. Why is it that fear drives some to action yet drives others to idleness? The worst part is that idleness can be interpreted as complacency and I fear being thought of as complacent even more! See how this fear thing works, it’s a double-edged sword!
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the wise man is to be bold and fearless in overcoming the wiles of the enemy and doing good.
Maybe I should start my own clothing line called FFTHNF – “Fear First THEN Have No Fear”. What do you think?
Nah, never mind, I’d be too afraid … 🙂
Floyd
Friday, August 16, 2013 @ 2:36 pm
It really is a double edged sword! And it’s sharp edges cut deep… The truth is that no person is without fear. God designed us to have enough sense to avoid danger, it’s when it’s taken to extremes that it becomes unhealthy. I think that’s why the Bible speaks to the subject so much.
“Fearless in overcoming the wiles of the enemy and doing good.” Well said, David. To write as boldly as you do and secure enough to share the things you do point to a person that is pretty firm in his faith, not perfect, but none of us are. Why would we fear the things of this world that sit in the hand of our Father along with us and can do no harm to us without our Father’s will or consent… kinda seems crazy when we think about it like that…
I’ve already failed in one shirt business! But if you think there’s a market… I’m in! What do we have to lose but fear and money!
Great comment, David! Gave me a chuckle.
Loren Pinilis
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 6:08 am
No fear just shows that you’re too ignorant to know any better. A baby isn’t courageous because it doesn’t fear a rattlesnake in its crib. True courage is much deeper, much bolder. Not fearless, just fear-conquering.
Floyd
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 11:35 am
Ooooo. Great analogy, Loren! I like that! That is a boatload of wisdom right there, brother! “Not fearless, just fear-conquering.” You have the best caption for the new T-shirts! That was spot on, brother! Thanks, Loren.