Life with No Fear
By: Susan Deborah Schiller and Danielle Bednarcik
Do you see a world full of guns and wars, food and fuel shortages, unemployment and foreclosures? A country teetering on the edge of destruction? I used to. Now I see a world where children and youth have the solutions to problems our generation has left unsolved.
The "End of America" as we know it is no longer a matter of "if" but "when" and the good news is that the end is simply a new beginning. There is a better way.
God's ways are always simple. What we currently have is a no-win situation economically, socially, and spiritually. So if we're going the wrong way, we simply turn around!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead
As I was contemplating this new reality, this love-based world, my granddaughter came to me and said, "Gramma, lay down. I want to sing a song to you." Giving me a pillow and covering me with a blanket, she began to sing:
"I wake up in the morning,
I see the trees and sky.
I go outside.
I see the birds and the butterflies,
I say a little prayer for someone.
Then I do something for someone.
Our brains are for thinking about God.
Then we say a little prayer for someone.
We do something for someone."
Danielle explained to me, "Gramma, you don't hear God with your ears. You listen with your heart. And then you sing what you hear in your heart."
Pretty simple. We just have to become like a child to enter His Kingdom.
What if you wake up in the morning and take a few minutes to be grateful, to soak up the beauty of a new day, to praise God for the joys of life. Then as you go about your daily tasks you look for opportunities to smile, to chat with someone, to fix something for someone, to do something for someone.
Okay, now imagine a whole neighborhood doing the same… a whole city…
We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. ~ Howard Zinn
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Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
It's about all of us getting out of our houses, out of our own personal worlds, out of our own struggles, and going to meet our friends and neighbors.
I saw a new type of culture being created. There were still street gangs roving the cities… but instead of violence and murder there were "drive by blessings" as the youth would "gang up" on a broken down vehicle… repair it, wash it, and leave it looking like brand new!
People began setting aside their own concerns and focusing on the needs of their neighbors. As they began to see with new eyes, this type of activity became a habit, and as it became habit, God inhabited them…and the world turned upside down!
To remind each other, they posted signs everywhere saying, "Live the 13th!"
I believe my dream will come true!
"We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true." ~ Woodrow Wilson
Otherwise, consider the alternative. The next generation will become just like us… but with bigger debts, both personally and financially. Divorce rates soaring. Broken relationships and church splits. Out of control government and spiraling economy.
Is this the legacy we want to leave for the next generation?
Many of us feel powerless. We've already limited ourselves by reducing our dreams to fit our income level. We've allowed other people (parents, teachers, well meaning people… and not so well meaning people) to tell us how to think, how to live, how to be…
We're so busy doing things, trying to keep up, trying to catch up, that we've forgotten who we are. We've lost our identity – individually and corporately!
I SEE whole cities and nations getting turned RIGHT SIDE UP in a single day!
And it's not by a government initiative or state sponsored program… it's not a church-based program … it's a grassroots awakening!
There are already enough resources in the United States alone to feed the world, to give everyone a house, and thousands of dollars left over to allow every single person on the planet to fulfill their destiny without having to sweat for it!
I HEAR my Father telling me to speak out this message because it's in the realm of possibility.
Our brains are for thinking about God… My granddaughter's song continues to ring in my mind…
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What can we do to make our children proud? Can we adopt their childlike faith and just "do it"?
Can we each do one thing today?
Can we love our son and daughter, telling them how precious they are to us… can we send a note to our father or mother, thanking them for giving us life? Do we have an extra $50 to fill a neighbor's gas tank who has been unemployed?
When the earth gets SO BAD that there is no cure… that's the very time, God said, that He would send His son back to set the world right side up. Prior to that day, life on earth would get cold and dark… physically and spiritually. These are love and grace opportunities… gifts.
It's time for us to SHINE, to glow.
What makes you shine, what makes you glow? What is your dream? That is your purpose calling you. It's your destiny. It's why you're here on planet earth in the year 2012. What is one step you can take today toward fulfilling that destiny?
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With all my love,
Sue
Copyright © 2014 Team Family Online, All rights reserved. For reprint permission or for any private or commercial use, in any form of media, please contact Susan Schiller.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
Chief Tecumseh
"Parents often think that they are here to guide the little ones. In reality, the little ones come forth with clarity to guide you." ~ Abraham
Loved this! You’re really getting all of us to use our noggins, Susan…thank you & may the Lord continue to bless you! :> )
Very good way to put it, Kitty…. we need to be thinking for ourselves and not just listening to media! Thank you for sharing your thoughts – blessings!
Child like Faith!! I hope this article reaches the mass…it NEED to!! Very powerful
Thank you, Debra, for reading and commenting! Please feel free to share this message, as God may lead you. I recently heard Hans Johnson (a few months ago) say: “Just shut off the trance-invoking TV and get out there and meet your neighbors” – in reference to a news report about the “End of America” as we know it. I do hope more people will realize the simplicity of God’s ways… and begin to live the 13th! Thanks so much for stopping by – please feel free to add your own thoughts 🙂
This is a very powerful and well needed message. I salute you for having the courage to live your passion and bring this forward All it takes is one person to start and began to pay it forward. God Bless You Susan
Thank you, Jaime, for reading and sharing your thoughts – I appreciate you! In writing our life stories there are times when we risk sharing a dream or a vision, but it’s always worth it when it’s about Love… blessings to you!
Susan, your heart is BIG! You are right on about each one of us having something to offer…kindness to give, a story to tell…it just takes each one of us doing a little bit to make a BIG difference, and what a great way of life to teach our children….and they catch on so early. Our little grandson isn’t quite 2 and as soon as we sit down to eat he folds his hands and says “PRAY” and “AMEN” when we’re through. Children learn from observing our actions (as we can from watching them) and when we start early to show kindness and unconditional love, a servant heart…our world grows a little more loving! Really loved this post!
Sue, thank you for reading and sharing! I believe we are both on the same track… strengthening families – it’s truly the way to bring our world to health 🙂 I’m grateful to you, Sue 🙂
Susan, very rich content. I read and re-read and you are on to something here. Something that is reaching into the deep of human soul. Can we live the 13th? The grassroots love war… powerful Susan.
Thanks, Claudia… I feel renewed in reading your website at http://uncommongeneration.com because of your passion for the next generation. I do feel God’s longing in this, to ignite the hearts of parents and youth both – together. Thanks for reading and for commenting, Claudia…
Susan, you’re truly inspirational! I love the dream circle concept and intend to start practicing it. Sadly, I don’t remember many of my childhood dreams, other than wishing for lots of friends. Think I’ll explore that one more–
Lily, that’s a great place to begin! We may have missed out on parts of our past childhood but there’s no time like the present to receive restoration and to become childlike again… to live without fear! Your website at http://fearlessdelivery.com is one I especially appreciate for insights into confronting fear head-on… and winning! Thanks, Lily!
You know as I read this article something odd stuck me. As a child…I had no dreams, no dream circle, I don’t remember really thinking at all. I was a follower and not a good one at that. All I do remember is trying to get the approval of my dad. Sad isn’t it.
But, today, all of that behind me I’ve learned how to forgive. I’ve learned why he thought and acted the way he did, I’ve forgiven him and am now a leader. Thank goodness I was able to take those negative memories of my childhood and turn them into positives for my kids.
Now, it’s my turn to rise up and lead a group of business people, auto transport brokers to help make one sector of that population better. To help other families live a better life by partnering with them to make a difference.
You are right on and I am so thankful to have met you Susan. Keep on writing…mine will follow and together we can all make a difference if but to just one other human being at a time.
Very true, Carla… one person at a time makes all the difference! How wonderful that you didn’t let your past dictate your future – and what a wonderful legacy you are leaving for your children and grandchildren!
This is so powerful Susan and I have no doubt that it will greatly impact every single person who reads it…of course my passion is for parents to also recognize the importance in ALLOWING their children to live their dreams…to dream BIG and then support them in their dreams. Like your granddaughter, I believe children are wise beyond our imaginations and if we, as parents, stay out of their way they will lead us to the real wonders and joy of life.This is an amazing article, thank you.
We’re very much on the same track, Denny… I very much appreciate your comments and support! If only everyone could see that children have something very important to say and contribute! Thanks for raising your voice in supporting the family!
Wow! This really has me thinking. What I would do is not what I’m doing, but one is a means to the other. That said, there are steps I could be taking now to start moving in that direction. So that I will do. Thank you, Susan, once again for offering these little guideposts. I love them… :o)
You have me curious, Victoria… what is your big dream? You’re such an adventurous woman – a true pioneer! Your site at http://ModernHomesteading.ca has become one of my favorite places to visit for inspiration… hmmm…. it’s got to be really, really big, I’m imagining!
:o) It’s being able to fund a non-profit doing on-the-ground work with children who are victims of or witness to violence, specifically children who have been orphaned. I’ve been following the work of haitichildren.org for years and am so inspired by Susie Krabacher. I’m not sure I have THAT in me (she’s amazing), but I’d love to make enough money through my business ventures in the next couple of years to help fund a program such as hers and get involved in that way.
An amazing vision and purpose … I know you will achieve it! Thanks for sharing, Victoria 🙂
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