<\/p>\n
Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.
The soul that knows it not, knows no release
From little things;
Knows not the livid loneliness of fear,
Nor the mountain heights where bitter joy can hear
The sound of wings.
(Amelia Earhart Putnam)<\/p>\n
ALL OF US NEED RELEASE FROM CERTAIN THINGS. We find ourselves enslaved to harmful habits. We are hindered by limitations and problems that block our path to progress. We\u2019re oppressed by anxieties and insecurities. All of these things, and many more, tie us down and keep us from exercising our freedom to live as we should. And it\u2019s likely true, as Amelia Earhart Putnam wrote, that, because of our lack of courage, the \u201clittle things\u201d bind us the most. The greater things can\u2019t be enjoyed as long as we hold on to these little ones.<\/p>\n
Release is a powerful concept. If we could think more often in terms of that metaphor, or paradigm, we\u2019d probably be more effective. Think of an undesirable habit, for example. Which would probably have the greater chance of helping you in the short term: thinking of the task of \u201cgaining\u201d something difficult that you don\u2019t have right now (a better habit, a virtue that you need, etc.) or thinking of the freedom that would come from \u201cletting go\u201d of the thing that you don\u2019t want? In my own mind, I try to envision the things I\u2019m attempting to get rid of in my character as a \u201cbig bag of rocks.\u201d It\u2019s both easy and exciting to think of just putting down the bag of rocks and not carrying it around anymore. That\u2019s \u201crelease\u201d \u2014 and it\u2019s really quite wonderful.<\/p>\n
But let\u2019s get the focus off ourselves. Wouldn\u2019t it be a fine thing to be people who serve the role in other people\u2019s lives of helping them enjoy more freedom? Surely it would, and that\u2019s one of the best gifts we can give to those around us. Often, all it takes to help others find release is an encouraging word. \u201cA positive word releases positive energy and becomes a creative force\u201d (Robert Harold Schuller).<\/p>\n
Whether in our own lives or those of others, release often comes down to the difference between faith and fear. So let\u2019s be people who choose faith over fear, and also help others to make that bold choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is cynicism and fear that freezes life; it is faith that thaws it out, releases it, sets it free\u201d (Harry Emerson Fosdick).<\/p>\n
Gary Henry \u2013 WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com<\/p>\n