For some reason the headline sounds so ominous. "First Ebola death in America."
I don't think most of us thought it would ever come close. But it has. Ebola is out there, and the world is on edge.
And then there are the men in the black masks, bringing the most unthinkable atrocities right into our living rooms. Leaving a trail of blood as they grab more and more real estate. Largely unstoppable so far.
They hate Western culture, and use social media to inspire young men from around the world - including America - to join their cause. And to unleash their terror on the streets of Western countries.
Just beneath the breaking news is the growing prospect of nukes in the hands of those who hate America. And an unchecked Russia on the move.
I've heard one sentiment repeated over and over again on newscasts the past week or so. "People are afraid."
So many growing dangers beyond our control. We can panic, freeze or hide. Or just try to ignore the dangers. All bad ideas.
I'll go with that iconic line from Franklin Roosevelt's First Inaugural. As a desperate America lay devastated by the Great Depression. Fearful of a dark future. The new President confronted head-on the greatest danger of all.
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
That's still true today. Even as deadly storms, once so far away, now loom so close to home.
I've made up my mind - no matter how unsettling the news - that fear is our worst enemy. It paralyzes us ... distorts our judgment ... makes us reactive rather than proactive. And scares our family - because the captain's scared.
So I'm committed to a pretty simple strategy to have peace in a scary world. First, stay informed. Not just about sports or celebrities or music, but about what's happening in our world. Rumors and speculation fuel fear. Facts fuel wise decisions and reasoned responses.
Second, take reasonable precautions. Those steps the medical and security folks talk about. Wash hands often and be careful around sick people. Drink a lot of water. Be aware of surroundings and anything that seems a little sketchy. Have an emergency plan and the essentials for a possible crisis.
Simple things. Common sense things. Preparation beats trepidation.
But after all is said and done, the great antidote to fear is in my soul. Anchoring my life to something I can't lose. A deep recession, weather calamities, world events that threaten to endanger our once-safe bubble - they remind us that all we hold in our hand is so vulnerable. So loseable.
And that's a reason to fear.
Unless my safety, my security, my identity is beyond the reach of any disease, any terror, any disaster. Even beyond death itself.
His name is Jesus.
Because of His death for my sin on the cross, I now belong to the all-powerful God who rules a hundred billion galaxies. He's in charge. And I know He'll never stop loving me. His love for this rebel was written in blood.
Or, in the words of the Bible, "we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us ... He has made us friends with God" (Romans 5:1, 11). Peace with God is peace in my soul. Whatever happens. My life is no longer at the mercy of evil or sickness or disaster. God's got me now.
And "God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you' ... so I will have no fear" (Hebrews 13:5-6). I run to Him. And I'm not afraid.
