Fear Not: Embracing Selflessness for a Courageous Life

The quote "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" is attributed to Spencer Johnson, the author of the popular book "Who Moved My Cheese?"

This simply illustrates how inhibiting and debilitating the feeling of fear can be in our lives.

Indeed, the phrase “fear not” appears in the Bible 154 times, clearly demonstrating the prevalence of this natural emotional response to the ongoing challenges we face in our lives.

But how do we overcome this most basic human instinct? 

This guidance was offered in the first conversation G-d had with the prophet Jeremiah.

In response to G-d’s message, “I appointed you a prophet to the nations,” Jeremiah says, “I don’t know how to speak, for I am still a boy.” G-d then responds, “Do not fear them, for I am with you.”

The lesson is simple, though not easy: to have the courage to speak the truth, we must align with our authentic selves, which is a spark of G-d. In doing so, we become part of a force greater than ourselves.

In simple terms, the more selfless we are, the more courageously we can live. Those who are insecure are self-oriented, living their lives separate from the source of all life as they are misaligned with their authentic selves.

Yosef Vogel