Beautiful! Very well said.

Funny how so often our fears are to various attachments. I was just thinking that faith in effect allows us to let go of those attachments and fears and put our trust in God.

I think if we're truly able to grasp that idea, fear no longer becomes an issue for the "bird of my spirit" as its said.

I kind of feel myself caught on the last two lines though... because I feel that faith gives you that impetus to be couragous, and then its that courage that leads to letting go and creating action. Faith is the precondition to courage not the postcondition imo.

-john

Interesting, John.

Perhaps it could be said (even according to the "Building Momentum" document) "learning to courage, courage to action."

Or maybe Adalia meant Faith other than spiritual faith? Perhaps faith in oneself?

Your poem is brave and honest. It takes a lot of courage to openly express your fears. I appreciate your sharing it with us.

I really like the parts about paralyzed wings, and resisting the forces that long to be closer to God. That's so true. How strange that we get it so backwards, fearing what we shouldn't and not fearing what we should.

I think this verse relates to what you're getting at:

"Love is a light that never dwelleth in a heart possessed by fear."

Baha'u'llah, The Four Valleys, p. 57

Fear is very ego-centered, it is always concerned about "What's going to happen to me?"

Love is the opposite. It adores, appreciates, and sacrifices without any thought of the consequences of doing so.

Consider these lines from a poem by Rumi:

"Love is reckless; not reason...

Having died to self interest,
she risks everything and asks for nothing.
Love gambles away every gift God bestows."

If we can cultivate more love in our hearts, we will be more selfless and less concerned with petty, ego-based fears.

One effective way to do this is with a Buddhist form of meditation called Metta, or loving-kindness meditation. I use this technique and it helps me a lot. It has done wonders in helping my problems with depression.

Of course, prayer is also highly effective in bringing about such a transformation.

I am often consumed by fear myself. Life can be terrifying. I have to find ways to move beyond this sort of fear, because I don't want it to rule my life and enslave my soul.

Be peace :)