Pray for Freedom from Fear
I hope you’ll carve out a few minutes to read today’s longer-than-usual post about how a simple prayer helped me deal with an embarrassing fear that had plagued me for many years …
It took almost 50 years before I found freedom from an embarrassing fear that had plagued me for as long as I could remember. I was terrified of cats! Not big cats like lions and tigers, which one should fear, but just sweet, cuddly, kitty-cat pets.
As a child and young adult, I simply reacted whenever I was around a cat. After becoming an adult and familiar with mental health issues related to fears, I wanted to explore the roots of my fear. I learned that according to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders) I met the criteria for people who experience significant fear or anxiety toward a specific object. When the trigger is cats, the condition is known as ailurophobia or gatophobia.
I discussed this often with my mother because I assumed my fear was rooted in a childhood experience, but Mom was unable to pinpoint anything. Finally, I decided to pray about it. My prayer went something like this:
God,
I’m embarrassed about my fear of cats. I know it is irrational. Yet the terror is real!
I know you don’t need reminding, but I’m going to remind you anyway that Your Word in James 1:5 promises that If any of us lacks wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given.
Will you please give me wisdom and help me conquer this fear?
Amen
Soon afterward, Mom and I were visiting, and the topic of my cat-phobia surfaced. This time, though, she recalled an incident when I was two years old. “I wonder,” Mom mused, “if that is what happened?”
I know what I am about to say sounds strange, but I could literally feel what seemed like a window inside my head open, and it was like a breeze of truth blew away trapped childhood terror that caused me to react as a two-year old even though for the most part, I was a well-functioning adult.
I still have a significant allergy to cats. Shortly after I experienced freedom, I petted a cute little kitty, and within a short time, my eyes swelled almost shut. I am still not fully feline friendly and admit I kind of appreciate the allergy! 😊
A big test came about four years ago when my friend invited me to spend several days at her home in the D. C. area. Sharon, a dear woman who calls herself “catlady,” was the proud mama of four “BoyZ.” Initially, I declined the invitation because of my allergy, but Sharon persisted, assuring me her house was equipped with hospital-grade air purifiers, and the door to the room where I would stay is always closed.
The thought of staying in the same house as four cats was extremely distressing! Despite the fearful emotions, however, I’m convinced the Spirit kept whispering loudly enough that I could distinguish these words, “God has not given you the spirit of fear. God has given you freedom from fear; love; and a stable, healthy mind.” (Adapted from 2 Timothy 1:7) I said, “Okay, God, I will accept Sharon’s invitation, but P-L-E-A-S-E help me.”
My daughter Sarah insisted I tell Sharon my “cat story” before I went, and I agreed since I wasn’t convinced that I wouldn’t act weirdly hypervigilant while at her house. Sharon was understanding and glad I trusted her enough to tell my story.
I didn’t feel excited when I met Barney, Boomer, and Peanut, but I was fascinated by the big orange and white tabby called Pastor Piper. Sharon explained he was always in tune with the needs of the three “BoyZ” as well as any house guest.
While his three brothers seemed unimpressed, Pastor Piper appeared always aware of where I was and how I was doing. I looked him in his beautiful green eyes and explained my “boundaries,” assuring him I thought he was a “very cool cat,” but I would not be petting him, and he wouldn’t be allowed on my lap. Although he hovered near, Piper was always the respectful gentleman.
I will never be mistaken for a “catlady,” but since spending time with the “BoyZ” during two different visits, I have developed sincere affection for them. In fact, I send them Christmas presents, and Sharon calls me “Aunt Sue.”
Why do I share this story? I’m not sure, but before I began writing the Listening on the Journey … blog post eight years ago, I prayerfully wrote this purpose statement:
My purpose is, in a winsome and grace-filled manner, to point each reader to a never-changing God in our always-changing worlds.
I imagine some reading this post may be dealing with an embarrassing or perplexing fear or habit. The freedom I received from my cat-phobia was a very good gift, which I believe was set in motion by a simple prayer to a very good God. It is to that never-changing God I hope my “cat story” points you.
Pastor Piper perched on his seat, located next to my favorite chair at Sharon’s house!
Blessings on your journey to being free from fear and filled with power, love, and a sound mind!
