I've heard that the phrase "do not be afraid" is written in the Bible 365 times. Is that true? It doesn't matter. Fear not. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Fear is a weapon, used by the powerful, to enslave you. History is full of it. Stories of the bad guy killing people to make examples of them, to secure their control over and the obedience of their minions.
History is also full of stories of love. Love overcomes fear. Love is a better motivator of followers than fear. A fear based follower will eventually backstab to get out of it. A love based follower will die before being disloyal. Love is not hasty. Love is patient. Love is gentle, and waits until it is time. Love, like water, eventually finds a way.
This year, I plan to spend more time appreciating the bounties of love, with friends, with family and even with people I have come to love though I have never met in person.
In a year where fear has been perpetuated and driven sharply into the forefronts of our consciousness, we must in the same way, forcibly brush it aside and forget not that we are surrounded by people who will reciprocate the love that we all yearn to give and at the same time receive.
Let 2021 be a year of love and not fear.