A REVIEW OF THE GIFT OF FEAR, by Gavin DeBecker

     The Gift of Fear, by Gavin DeBecker is absolutely the best book I've read

about the positive side of fear.  Most of us suppress our fears not realizing

that there are times when fear (more clearly, an unsettled feeling) holds

important information that can help us take positive action to protect

ourselves and our families.  DeBecker encouragesthe  reader to trust his/her

own God-given instinct and intuition instead of ignoring it.  

     Fear is the opposite of faith, but the type of fear being discussed here is

a warning and not just fears caused by fatique or a lack of faith.  Not

understanding this difference left me helpless when facing the need to listen

to my fears about my children's safety.  There were plenty of warnings for

years which I suppressed.  However, had I understood, I could have spared

my daughters much pain.  This realization brought about my journey towards

learning to listen to the Holy Spirit with a more open and discerning heart. 

     Too often we ignore our unsettled feelings because of self-doubt and not

wanting to be misunderstood by others.  DeBecker explains why intuition

is important in protecting us from victimization and gives examples of women

who have ignored it to their own harm.  He explains that acknowledging

our fear can empower us to speak up even if it makes us feel foolish. 

     Having struggled with fear and confusion, I understand the high price that

is paid when I do not have the courage to listen to the messages of

fear.  DeBecker says, "Like intuition, denial sends signals you can recognize. 

When you detect these cues at work in yourself you can stop and ask one of

life's most powerful questions:  What am I choosing not to see here?"

     When we listen to our intuition, we become more comfortable with

hearing the messages of fear instead of ignoring them or worse denying

them.  Through the freedom and knowledge we gain by listening to our

fears, we will help and protect others as well.  As Nelson Mandela has said,

"As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates

others." 

     I highly recommend this book especially for anyone who struggles with

fear, anxiety, depression, and for those who have been victimized.  This book

has important lessons that will help us walk with wisdom in our journey to

dignity.

All pages copyright 1999 - 2008 Leslie Shaw Holzmann