Overcoming the fear of someone or something is not easy, but it is possible with faith. I had a lot of fears and nightmares about them. One time, while I was cleaning my employer’s car on the ground floor of our building, I heard a loud bang. It was close to where I was—maybe fifteen steps away—and it turned out to be a backpack that had fallen from an upper floor of the building. I was frightened. The security guard went to investigate while I continued working.
About ten minutes later, there was another loud bang. This time, it was a young man who was dead on the spot. I was shocked and panicked at that moment. I cried out loudly and trembled. Some people nearby heard me, but nobody cared. I was so afraid. All I could do was pray for the man and myself as I tried to calm down.
I was traumatized, and even now, when I hear a loud bang, I still shake in fear. Only faith and prayer can calm me.
Another of my fears is taking a boat out on the open sea; I’m especially afraid when all I can see is water. I took a short vacation in the Philippines, and the only place I wanted to visit was the famous Hundred Islands. Before we went, I did some research because I was eager to try the beautiful arrangement of food called a “boodle fight.” I went with my family, and we rented a boat to go to the island. I had no idea it would take 20–25 minutes to reach the island.
Fear slowly gripped my heart while we were in the middle of the sea, but it slowly subsided when I saw a white figure. I’m not sure what it was, but it made me feel calm. As we got nearer to our destination, my fearful heart was filled with joy.
I looked at the tall statue of Jesus Christ on top of the island and was delighted to learn that it is the Pilgrimage Island of Jesus the Saviour. I thanked God for being with us and keeping us safe throughout our island journey. There is also a tall statue of Our Lady of the Assumption. It felt good to offer a prayer of thanksgiving that day. When we returned to the wharf, it was a bit windy, but I was comforted knowing that God is with us. I remembered a verse from the Bible: Joshua 1:9, which says, “I command you: Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble, nor be afraid, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.” Trusting that he who loves us will protect us from any danger, I overcame my fear. We didn’t explore much because of the hot weather that day. I look forward to visiting again without fear and exploring more of the island.
Always remember that God is with us and will strengthen and protect us from evil. Keep your faith alive!
Sheryl Tapel Reyes
Love of God Prayer Group
Holy Family Parish,
Choi Hung
