Week 20 – Fear, Basketball and a PLO Assassin

I have always been”afraid” of people.

Years ago, I was diagnosed by a very well-meaning person as having “social anxiety disorder”.  It was very difficult for me to meet new people, extend myself, be in unfamiliar surroundings.  My heart would pound and I would think of reasons not to – – – not to meet someone, not to go somewhere, not to do something new.   Many times I would receive an invitation to do something cool and new, and accept, then as the day drew near, the anxiety would start and I would find a way to back out.   I missed a cool float trip in junior high, and a great high school ski trip that my classmates still talk about all these years later. Neighbors would move in, then move out – – without me ever having met them. I missed being a room mother at my son’s school, and I wonder about many friendships I could have enjoyed, had I not been anxious. I realize that I had wrapped the label of “social anxiety disorder” around myself like a blanket, and the more I avoided people and situations, the more fearful I became. (I think I know where this came from, but that’s a story for another day.)

Then I joined the 2014 MKMMA class.  I never got my DMP done, so I haven’t had a poster, and all the things that cascade from that; didn’t understand the shapes, metaphors, etc., so I would say most of the exercises have been lost on me.  One thing I do know, and did understand is that fear and excitement create the same physiological reaction.  I just had to change my thoughts by using the law of substitution. I was able to change “People scare me,” to “I’m excited to meet new people and learn about their lives.”  This seemingly small thing has been worth the price of admission for me.

A few weeks ago, a friend told me I needed to block out six hours on Saturday for her.  I agreed, and then the old worries started coming up.  She wouldn’t tell me what, or where, or why, just how to dress and that I would have a good time.  The dread would come, and I would push it away saying to myself that “I’m excited for new adventures.”  

Well, college basketball is one thing, what about a PLO assassin, and what in the world?!?   The grace of God, that’s what.  Hang on, I’ll connect it to my conquering fear, thanks to Mark and Davene.

The day after the basketball game, our little church on the dusty (frozen) plains of Kansas was privileged to have as a guest speaker, Tass Saada.  He was trained as a sniper and joined the PLO in 1968 because of his hatred of Jews and his admiration for Yasser Arafat.  He served for a period of time as Arafat’s chauffeur. His intense hatred and precision as a sniper gained him reputation and the nickname, “Butcher”.  His story is horrific and his conversion experience and subsequent life, inspiring !(read his book, “Once An Arafat Man”,  an incredible story of redemption and reconciliation.  Also check out   Hope for Ishmael online).

Again – a whole ‘nother story.  Anyway – after his very moving talk, and as the service concluded, I saw him momentarily alone, and the old blueprint diverted my eyes and I started to walk away, but the new me took a hard left turn, walked boldly up, shook his hand, and thanked him for coming to share his story with us. I passed an enjoyable few minutes speaking with him and looking him straight in the eye.  Yep – old, scared me, and a former terrorist.    NO – WAIT – – THAT’S WRONG:   New, confident me, and a former terrorist.  Both actually just sinners saved by grace.   God is good all the time!