The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Be Not Afraid

By: Elaine Slater Reese

To walk through the darkness- for therein you may find the light;

To take one step at a time- for only then can you complete the journey;

To question- for there you will find the truth;

To hope- from that a dream can grow;

To believe- otherwise, there is nothing;

To trust- for it is the basic element of all relationships;

To give- for in doing so, you shall be given;

To remember- for memories are proof that you have lived;

To cry- tears are a source of healing;

To hurt- from that can come growth;

To laugh- your inner beauty is reflected then;

To start again- there is a chance this time will be even better;

To be independent- for only then will you find yourself;

To set new goals- for then your existence will take on meaning;

To share- for happiness is nothing if it's yours alone;

To open the closed door- perhaps what was behind it has changed;

To take a chance- new worlds have been discovered this way;

To, at times, despair- for only then do we appreciate;

To re-examine yourself- for death sets in when growth stops;

To face each new day- if you choose, God will walk beside you each hour;

To make promises- they are the foundations of life;

To plant a small seed- from it the majestic tree grows;

To touch someone- who knows how that small action may change your lives;

To love- for only in that way will you be loved;

To live- only then will past relationships be meaningful;

To die- for therein lies eternal life.

C2010 Elaine Slater Reese

Elaine Slater Reese is a freelance writer in Spring Green, Wisconsin who grew up in Hancock County Illinois - near Bowen.