Fear is a feeling that has existed ever since sin entered this world. It is something so powerful that it can even paralyze us. Of course, we all react differently to fear. I don’t recall a time when I have paralyzed in a moment of fear. However, I did go through a traumatic experience when I was a teenager. Let me tell you the background story of how things happened.

The middle school I attended was a very old school that many years ago used to be a girl’s catholic school. Many stories were said in our school about it being hunted.

At our gym the restrooms where at a basement. All the basement walls where black and restroom stalls where red. I played volleyball in middle school and in one of our practices it was time to change and all the girls went at the same time to change to the restrooms. Someone thought would be funny to play a joke on me; so they all locked me in the restroom turned the lights off and left.  

At the time I didn’t own a cellphone that I could use as a flashlight… scary, right? I was able to get under the stall and drag myself out of the restroom. As I was getting out, I felt someone touch me. ‘Till this day I don’t know if it was my head playing games on me, or if it was actually someone. I ran out upstairs to the gym, I could barely breath. And this is when my anxiety attacks begun.

“He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

After that episode I get anxiety attacks in tight spaces; also when I’m in a car for long periods of time, and where there are big crowds. It begins with yawning constantly, then shortness of breath and something in my stomach taking over me. However, there are some things I can do to make it stop: constant talking, eating, singing or going to sleep. I know this sounds strange, but they actually work for me. Over the years I have had fewer panic attacks and I praise God for that.

Let’s not forget that we have a peacemaker that is God. In moments of fear, remember His promises. It’s normal to be afraid. Joshua was afraid, Peter was afraid and so were many others. Yet, they surrendered to God, placed their trust in Him; and fear was gone. This world is full of scary things, specially these last few days; but don’t panic, God is always in control.

You might also like