The patient isn’t scared for one simple reason: the doctor is her dad.
On the same week that we honor the life and work of a man who had a brave dream for our nation, a whole lot of people are really scared. Some people I count as friends are afraid that the world will take ten giant steps back on Innauguration Day. And, they assume I’ll be dancing at the parade.
Fortunately, the ballot box is still secret and sacred in our land. So, I’m not announcing how I voted. Suffice to say, I wouldn’t have been dancing no matter who won. But, I don’t think that is even the point right now. I think the point is this: Let’s not be scared. Of the future. Or of one another.
During our Christmas morning church service this year, my brother-in-law talked about the shepherds. They are my favorite part of the story. I’m writing a whole novel about them. But I’d never seen this perspective before. Kris told us that when the angel appeared to the shepherds and said, “Fear not,” he didn’t mean, “don’t be scared about seeing an angel.” (Although that would be freaky wild)
The angel meant, “Don’t be scared of what I’m going to tell you. Don’t be scared to leave your sheep, cross the dark hills in the middle of the night, traipse into Bethlehem and find a baby king sleeping in a manger. Don’t be afraid of a future that looks completely different than anything you ever dreamed of before.”
I think that seems like a good word for us this week. I know the future looks scary. But, I actually lived through the frightening decade of “Abraham, Martin, and John,” which many of you proably only know from history books. So, I’m finding myself able to stand back and wait this one out a bit.
I have no idea how things will go once the transition of office actually takes place. But I know we don’t have to be scared. Because there’s another song we used to sing when I was growing up. It may seem corny today, but it’s still true. Someone bigger than our President is actually in charge, and He has the whole world in His hands.