Social Justice Corner: Faith Over Fear

Faith Over Fear

Submitted by Ann Castiglione

I have to admit to borrowing that title from S. James Meyer in “Living With Christ.” We have many in our church who brave the storm and find God in the whisper like Elijah. Many who struggle with emotions like St. Peter, but choose faith.

Peter’s faith led him to walk on water until his fear got the better of him. There are many in our church who have chosen faith to be themselves, to walk on water, despite the fear of repercussions from society, family, and even the church. Our group recently viewed a documentary “1946; the Mistranslation that Shifted Culture.” It includes the story of Sharon, a gay woman who chooses to maintain a relationship with her father, an evangelical pastor with a very literal understanding of the Bible. At 18 she had to move away from home in order to be the person God created her to be, but continues many years later to choose faith in herself and God as well as love for her dad. She is very sad that she cannot share her struggles, joys and friends with her father. She has faith that God loves her AND faith that her father, despite their opposite beliefs, also loves her.

Sharon is an example of a disciple who has chosen “the vulnerability of love over the safety of fear.” In this political climate, we can all find someone with opposite beliefs. It is my prayer that we can be like Peter and choose to walk on water; to live in faith rather than fear.