What are the long term effects of being exposed to fear?
How early can a child being exposed to fear have symptoms of fear?
Is fear a spirit?
What are some of the things we can become afraid of?
Do people get addicted to fear?
What Are The Long Term Effects Of Being Exposed To Fear?
Some people never get over a fear they have experienced in their lives. It can come from just being in a cellar during a tornado when they were a child. And as soon as they see storm clouds forming they begin to feel the physical symptoms of being afraid and not safe.
It can be from hearing a terribly loud and unfamiliar noise during the night while babysitting alone.
So even as a grown woman you find it very hard and become fearful about being home alone.
So what I have heard and seen from many people fear, from their early childhood has been with them their whole adult lives.
We would hope we are helping our children feel safe in a world that is growing very un-safe.
We would hope we are helping our children feel safe in a world that is growing very un-safe.
How Early Can A Child Being Exposed To Fear Have Symptoms?
Even a baby will flinch their little bodies when we say boo and jump at them. Very small children that have seen a scary movie or even a scary costume have had nightmares right away and can last for them a very long time. Children cannot tell reality from play acting until much older.Why do so many little ones want to sleep with their parents or a sibling if fear has not affected them?
Why do so many children have what they call Night Terrors while sleeping...
Many children become very afraid of the dark, even if it is normal power outages.
We had a friend that would say, I am not afraid of the dark, but rather what's in the dark!
Ask yourself, what really comes out at night??
Is Fear A Spirit?
Yes, I believe fear can be called a spirit, because it is so devastating and brings much pain and discomfort to ones heart and soul. And the scripture tells us that God's Word says, I have not given you a spirit of FEAR, but of power and love and a sound mind...
The devil only wants to kill, steal and destroy all people!
What Are Some Of The Things We Can Be Afraid Of?
Well, I am convinced people can become afraid of just about everything, but some fear exposure has been put upon them from pure ignorance and not protecting them in their early years of growing up.
One of the stupidest things I have heard is when a child is afraid, someone will tell them don't be afraid... Really, you think it is that easy? Fear is the toughest thing to overcome!
You can become afraid of any one of these things from just one bad experience!
Fire
Water
Storms
Being Alone
Being Lost
So, why would we knowingly expose our loved ones to something scary?
Can People Become Addicted To Fear?
Yes, fear is something our culture loves...
It produces a rush and brings feel good hormones, to someone that when they first tried something or read a horror book were terrified they now need it more scary and graphic.
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There is a famous sci-fi series (Dune) with the mantra "Fear is the Mindkiller" throughout. The main characters overcome fear with great mental effort and repeating aloud that they will not fear, willing themselves out of it. I can really relate to that because I have struggled with fear at different times in my life. But what works for me is the Lord rescuing me. I could not will it away on my own. I had to be rescued.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. No Halloween is all about fear.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of Christians are guilty of helping that spirit of fear enter into our children. A girlfriend of mine would not play the peek a boo game with her little ones for that very reason. I saw a video on Facebook the other day of a sweet little boy (about 18 mos) running down a hallway and when he comes around the corner someone gives a loud growl. The look on his face made me sad and he turned around as fast as he could to go back where he came from and the video ended. These fears hinder so many Christians so that they cannot do what God wants them to. Great post as always Roxy. Blessings to you! Diane
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Roxy. I think a lot of us harbor secret fears and are often afraid to even talk about them for FEAR of being ridiculed. I think this culture loves fear on many levels. Look at all the horror movies that are out there now...and vampire series, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe live in daily fear, too, because of where our country is at and what is happening in the world on a daily basis. Sometimes it is hard to remember that we should not fear because God is in control....xo Diana
Roxy, this was a wonderful post and so true and needful. So many women unthinkingly go out at night and take terrible risks. The Lord gives us the wisdom to know wise behavior from foolish behavior if we'll only pray and listen to Him. I pray about everything I do and the Lord is so good to give me guidance. The Bible says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should take care of ourselves and use sensible caution. There is a difference between caution and fear. Please consider writing these pearls of wisdom in a book or a little booklet. So many women need to read what you have written. God Bless, Bev
ReplyDeleteYou are so right when you say fear gets instilled in us when we are very young. That's why it is so important for wise parents to protect their children.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of fear. I've been lucky in that I haven't been exposed to many fearful situations. And I DON'T watch scary or gorey movies.
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