Discussion: Facing Fear

Discussion: Facing Fear

Getting Started

In this workshop devotional, you will reflect on another segment of the documentary Dr. Dave and the Girl Who Couldn’t Laugh: A Breadcrumb Quest for Joy. You will always face obstacles, setbacks, and fears in any worthy venture or cause. No doubt that you have already experienced some of these dynamics as you have implemented your Capstone Project and your TED-Style Talk.  In this week’s devotional, you will witness what I went through at one of the lowest points in my ‘12 Month’ project journey as I faced fears of rejection.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

• Integrate biblical principles with positive psychology concepts.

Background Information

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (New International Version, 1978/2011, Deuteronomy 31:8(new tab)).

“But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine'” (New International Version, 1978/2011, Isaiah 43:1(new tab)).

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (New International Version, 1978/2011, 1 John 4:18(new tab)).

These are just a few of the verses and references to fear in the Scriptures. There are many more passages in the Bible that encourage and command us to not fear. But, regardless of these admonitions, I still find myself in situations where I am fearful when I probably don’t need to be. And science, and common sense, tells us that some fear is good.  Fear can protect, warn, and even guide us to better decisions. However, there are moments and situations when we need not run or freeze in fear; we know that we can rely on God to see us through, when there is work to be done for Christ and His Kingdom when we need to fight for good in this world, to realize a dream or desire that He has given us, or to share the good news and hope of the gospel.

In this week’s clips of Dr. Dave and the Girl Who Couldn’t Laugh, you will watch me as I try to face down fears of pitching ideas to publishers at the national publication called Outside Magazine in Santa Fe, NM.  As you watch, you will also be challenged to consider your own approach to fear and how to face down the fear of implementing your key projects in this workshop.

Instructions

1. Take brief notes as you watch YOUTUBE and listen to this segment from Seg 5 (Start at 13:34 and Stop at 33.32)  Dave and the Girl Who Couldn’t Laugh: A Breadcrumb Quest for Joy:

2. Reflect on the verses and the above clip as you consider areas in your own life that you have been afraid to face, including the Capstone project and TED talk.
3. Write down anything that comes to mind.
4. Formulate your reflections and thoughts into a discussion post that includes the following in three paragraphs (250 words).
   1. Summarize key points from the documentary.
   2. Consider Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and 1 John as you respond to these questions:
      1. How has fear influenced your life and decisions for good or perhaps hindered you from accomplishing what you wanted?
      2. What can you learn from Jesus’ example and what he did in the face of fear?
   3. Describe how you have overcome or tried to face down fears in the past and what you are doing now to advance your projects in light of any fears or obstacles.
5. Your postings should also:
   1. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
   2. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.