The [Serendipitous] Gift of Fear

One semester, in college, I needed a couple of extra credits to fulfill financial aid requirements. The class could be in any area, so I choose a Woman's Self Defense course. The class, instructors, and fellow students made this one of my favorite college courses.

The instructor strongly suggested that we read Gavin de Becker's book entitled, "The Gift of Fear." If you have not read this book...go thee and read it immediately. The author is a three-time presidential appointee who has pioneered changes regarding governmental evaluation of threats.

On a personal level, the book gave me permission to listen to my "sixth" sense and to accept fear as a gift that allows me to quickly react to keep safe. The book explained the "science" of fear and summarizes how our subconscious quickly observes and notices danger long before our conscious brain is able to make sense of the same.

Why bring up this book now? Because, since I have read the book- back a hundred years ago- I have used it to help me make decisions for not just myself, but my family. Chan-man made plans for this weekend. I didn't like the plan-basically- that uncomfortable feeling kept nagging. So, I had to let him know that I wasn't comfortable and he had to cancel.

As many of you know, this was going to stink for both of us. Him, because of his disappointment. Me, because I was going to have to live with him.
But, something awesome happened...and he put aside his...shall we say, "strong feelings on the matter..." and agreed to go hiking. Just the two of us.
No cell phone coverage. Just mountains, trees, birds, and my sweet baby.
The day truly was a God-gift. Thanks & Amen!