When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office as President of the United States it was during a world depression and at a time of panic. In an attempt to encourage his countrymen he said in his inaugural address, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." One who heard this statement mentally asked herself, "Why fear fear?" and then she considered the question in the light of what she had learned in her study of Christian Science. The conclusion was reached that there was no reason to fear fear, because it is not a power.
Shortly thereafter the banks were closed. Although her family had little cash in hand, various ways opened up so that they could carry on in a normal way until most of the banks were reopened. The Bible text (II Tim.1:7), "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind," was recalled. And confidence in God's power to conquer all evil was maintained. Before the closing of the banks, the Scientist's family had been led to transfer funds from one bank to another that later reopened, and thus they were protected from the loss of their savings.
Today, when so much fear is felt and voiced because of the uncertainty of world conditions, it is well to examine one's thinking to determine whether one is recognizing God as all-powerful or allowing panic and despair to influence one. It is important to refute the suggestion that fear can cause men to do things that interfere with good judgment and that might push the world into thermonuclear war and destruction. God is the only cause, and God is Mind. Those who really understand this truth must maintain their individual freedom from fear so that their example of peace and poise may be seen and emulated.
