PERFECT LOVE
by Dr. Ellen Caringer
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.
If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this
shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.
– I John 4:18
Love is Letting Go of Fear – Jerry Jampolsky M.D., author of the book Love is Letting Go of Fear
You gain strength, Courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face . . . . You must do the thing you cannot do. – Eleanor Roosevelt
And when doubt, despair and denial threaten to dismantle your dreams, Love will rear up in your defense. – Sarah Ban Breathnach
Right now between pandemics and politics that seek to sow discord and racial divisions, it feels ever so tempting to retreat in fear. But comfort and peace cannot be found when we retreat in fear. Stepping out and taking a stand against racial hatred and the politics of division can also feel very fearful if we forget that such a stand is borne of deep love. A deep love that is pure and buoyed by a higher power that loves and cares for each of us and promises to accompany us each step of the way. It is in stepping out, in faith, that we can feel the brush of angels’ wings accompanying our flight. So today if you are feeling fearful about the next steps you face in these days of uncertainty, know there is a loving powerful spirit who does the heavy lifting, if we are willing to ask for that help. Today, as often happens, I feel those moments of fear that seem to nip at my heals in these times of trouble. But I am slowly choosing not to look behind, but ahead – at the prize – at the goal of a world where all live in peace, and in love, and without division and racial hatred. It will take work and prayer on all of our parts to hold that vision. Let us also remember that there is added strength when we step out together. And when we feel fear creep in, let’s remember the words of Sarah Ban Breathnach: “. . . courage is fear that has said her prayers.” May perfect love accompany each of our steps in the days ahead!
– Ellen Caringer, PhD (Kihei, Maui)
Dr. Caringer is a child psychologist and neuropsychologist on the island of Maui. She is one of the founders of Hui Aloha ʻO Maui Indivisible and a member of Keawalaʻi Congregational Church.
