There are many things at the heart of injustice—but fear is definitely at the root.  Think about this: How often is fear the motivator of our actions?  So often, we have anxieties—big and small—that prompt the way we act and react to everyday circumstances.  How often do we choose our words or our actions according to what others will think of us or according to what may happen to us?  If we answered honestly, each of us is tempted with this—from the girl looking at her closet deciding what to wear in front of her peers, to the legislators who vote on the laws that govern our nation.  We all experience fear at some level of what others may think of our words and our decisions.  No one wants to risk saying something that might make others uncomfortable or that makes ourselves look foolish.  Sometimes, even more might be on the line—like a job, relationships, or status.  Fear can work in and through any domain to inhibit us from progressing.  That’s it’s job—fear stunts growth. 
 
Fear is versatile.  Fear can be the motivator of our actions, and it can also inhibit us from acting.  Just think for a moment:  If no one ever feared saying what they knew needed to be said or if no one ever feared doing what they knew was right—how different would our world be?  But instead, we shrink back in fear—we actually believe the lie that the things we hope for are not attainable.  That’s a full-on lie.
 
Justice is attainable.
 
Restoration is attainable.
 
Reconciliation is attainable.
 
Life—real, free, life free from abuse, bondage, and despair—is attainable.
 
Fear borrows its power from the one it inhabits.  So we know that fear can be abolished because it is only as strong as we allow it to be.  We can choose to feed that fear by staying quiet when we know we are supposed to speak—or we can sit when we know we are supposed to stand. 
 
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”—Dale Carnegie
 
I also write this knowing that fear is a tool used by man to oppress others.  I am so deeply saddened by this.  I know that it exists here in Cambodia, as I’m sure it does in every nation.  Instead of facing humiliation or embarrassment for speaking what they feel is right, individuals may face losing their rights, their families, or even their lives. I strongly believe that if we who have been given much, will choose to combat our fear—then in turn, we can help those who are abused by fear.
 
Psalm 46:
 ¹ God is our refuge and strength, 
   an ever-present help in trouble. 
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way 
   and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 
³ though its waters roar and foam 
   and the mountains quake with their surging.^[c]
 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, 
   the holy place where the Most High dwells. 
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall; 
   God will help her at break of day. 
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; 
   he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
 ⁷ The LORD Almighty is with us; 
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.
 ⁸ Come and see what the LORD has done, 
   the desolations he has brought on the earth. 
⁹ He makes wars cease 
   to the ends of the earth. 
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; 
   he burns the shields^[d] with fire. 
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 
   I will be exalted among the nations, 
   I will be exalted in the earth.”
 ¹¹ The LORD Almighty is with us; 
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.
 
Peace,
Hannah