The Cost Of Paralyzing Fear

Urgent situations can elicit emotional responses that aren't planned. The emotions take over and prevent the individual from responding intellectually. This holds true whether you're managing child excited over a long-desired present, a young sweetheart stunned with a marriage engagement, an individual enjoying a victory, or an individual who finds himself needing rescue.

A knowledgeable instructor will tell you that most learning ends the minute a student gets overly emotional. A distraught person can't be expected to make considered rational choices. Whether or not a person is dancing in delight, or crying in grief, unchecked emotions make it very unlikely for that individual to react in a calculated, intellectual way.

I've recently seen footage of people who have had their autos towed to an impound lot. These people must navigate a perplexing maze of legal and fiscal prerequisites before regaining control of their car or truck. The situations are varied, but something is common: these individuals are under stress.

For those people who are capable of calming themselves, setting aside thoughts of victimization and anger, the outcomes are rather straightforward. These individuals learn what documents are required and by whom, meet the requirements and then reclaim their automobile.

For anyone unable to calm themselves, the undertaking grows more wearisome and time-consuming. The resulting annoyance is aimed at the impound staff workers. Raised voices, angry gestures and body language go back and forth as the staff person attempts to tell the owner what is necessary to retrieve the vehicle. Often, the individual only listens to a few recommendations before emotionally shutting down. Because they are missing documents, they may have to make several repeated trips before getting their car returned. The tension level of the worker starts to rise as he or she responds to the displeased customer. This creates errors in communication on the part of the employee.

Fear affects mental performance in the form of bafflement, forgetfulness, and the lack of ability to focus. In this condition, a person can be numbed by shock, begin to panic, or lash out in anger. When lives depend upon quick action, this could be fatal. It might be necessary to get away from him in the interest of the group's safety.

I've found that the majority of recommendations for survival safety give attention to two concepts: faith and preparation. Of these, the most important is faith. Why would I state this? I say this because no matter what you know, or how prepared you are, it is what you believe that will determine how well you are able to apply those things. A man or woman of faith won't throw away as much time second-guessing and railing about the conditions.

Faith cancels fear. Faith moves us towards life. Faith reminds us of the One in whom our belief is anchored. Faith serves as a reminder that we are never alone.

At the point you are able to calm yourself, your preparedness training will take over. If you've practiced thinking on your feet, making choices on the go, and managing numerous landscapes, you'll discover yourself well-served by your time invested in these pursuits. However, if you're incapable of reigning in your emotions, all of your preparedness may very well do you no service.

My interest was caught by a report of a meeting of individuals that had survived the Indonesian tsunami of 2004. The reporter stated that she realized that all of the people in the room were alive because they had not hesitated to run for high ground. Those who didn't move right away died. This account reminded me of Mark 13:15,16 which reads, "And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment."

Fear made use of effectively can be quite a lifesaver. However, when served as a master, fear can kill. When you are working to be prepared for emergencies, don't neglect to seek truth and build your faith as part of that process. When situations appear to be dire, these measures will prepare you to react.