Power of Fear and Love

This image, taken while on an assignment for US News and World Report on the growing impact of the Klu Klux Klan in America is one that has always haunted me. It has always been to me a powerful and intriguing image in the pose and attire that this man displays, but sickens me as to the world it represents. What he holds in his crossed arms and hood, is the power of fear, both for those whom he and his group would oppose and persecute, but also fear within himself of the very idea and people he condemns. He himself, is afraid to see his fellow man made in the image of God and to even attempt to accept him as such. His fear has turned into hate, the very opposite of love.

The power of fear cripples us all at times, in thought, action and even collectively as whole nations, as we seek defenses to protect against our enemies, who do likewise as they are also gripped in fear of us. It stifles and kills innovation, truth, risk, adventure, crushes the spirit and even can hinder love itself holding back our very souls from the one who created them. In all of this, we fail to see that the power held within His love can conquer any fear that is within us. Scripture tells us in 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear... The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

In looking back, I remember while watching and documenting that 'rally' event and seeing first hand, hate so graphically personified in right front of my eyes and lens (In fact I narrowly missed getting beaten, while in the illusion of my 'safe zone' behind my camera, in the middle of scuffle a foot or so away from me), the sense of fear that was there that day was so very real to me. There have been many times since when it has welled up in a variety of forms, pushing it's way into the consciousness of my mind, even to this very day, and continues to be a struggle for me, but given the choice whether to let it rise, crippling my soul for a season or to run to my God,  who I know loves me, the one who is love itself, I will always choose love and always chose Him.