PERSEVERE NEWSLETTER

Teaching and Inspiring the Masses

Fear Disease... by Pearson Lee

FEAR Issue
There is a crippling and conta-
May 2010 gious disease out there that causes
depression, malaise and lack of
Inside this issue: focus. It is passed down from
Fear Disease 1 mother to daughter and spread
out amongst aunts, cousins and
Concurring Your 2
Fears
friends.
This disease that afflicts countless
Runnin’ From a 3 women who possess untapped tal-
Monster
ents and gifts that go stagnant and
F.E.A.R The 4-5
unnoticed is called fear.
Contaminant of How do we spot the fear-infested?
Faith She is sitting in a dead end job or
a job she hates because that is
Fear 6
what she thinks she should do, as
Let Go of the Fear 7 opposed to what feels right in her
heart. She is full of excuses and reasons why her particular dream graveyard is
where she needs to be. But it’s not her fault.
From our early days of pigtails and jump rope, our mother’s emit a series of signals
We need you: that shout "safe", "stay within the box", "the boys won’t like it", "you won’t make a
living", "it’s stupid!"
• Please share your They begin sentences with “You have to”, “You ought to”, “I had to” that encour-
thoughts on the issues age us to protect ourselves and follow her example because you know as well as I
that mother knows best.
• Contact us if you are
After all, strong black women produce strong black women to do whatever it will
interested in contribut-
take to care for herself and her family should Mr. Right turn out to be Mr. Not
ing to the newsletter
Even If He’s the Last.
• Send our newsletter to
There is, however, good news to be shared.
The simple cure that brings dreams and gifts forward to blossom and flourish is
family and friends to
another powerful one-syllable word that inspires joy, enthusiasm and clear vision.
show how much you
The simple cure is faith.
care for them.

©2010 Brooklyn Girl Publishing Co., Inc.

Page 2 PERSEVERE NEWSLETTER

Concurring Your FEARS by Marleen C. Alexander-Greenleaf, VA

In order to change the things that we are unhappy with in our lives
we must change our thinking process. If we never change the way that we think we
will continue to get the same results in our lives. In order for us to see changes in
our lives we must face our worst enemy and that is FEAR.

We have to look at FEAR as nothing more than a word or as a learning process.

Mark Twain said it best with this quote, "Do the things that you FEAR most and
the DEATH to FEAR is certain." You owe it to yourself to understand this princi-
ple.

To conquer fear, you must accomplish the things that you fear the most. Learn to
leave your comfort zone. Doing so makes you become a more rounded individual.
When we do the things that we fear and look back at them afterwards, we see that
what we feared has now turned into part of our comfort zone. This simply happens
because we do not face our. The next time a similar situation arises we will no
longer stress over it, we will just do it.

We must set our minds on always conquering the unknown. Always "think outside
the box." Look fear in the eyes and just do the task. Chances are that you will suc-
ceed and soon come to find out that FEAR is nothing more than a word. Every
successful businessperson has undoubtedly faced fear many times, yet they have
succeeded in their business. So can you!

Once we understand and can change some of the beliefs that have been pro-
grammed into us by society, we can more fully take control of our lives and our des-
tiny through the power of positive thought (Law of Attraction).

You too can become successful in any aspect of your life that you choose. You just
have to get past one thing, YOURSELF!

When you do this you will start to become the person that you have always
dreamed about. Today is the day you are going to take what is rightfully yours. It's
called LIFE! We are here to enjoy every aspect of life, not just to be a part of it.

Believe in yourself and start by conquering FEAR!!

FEAR Issue Page 3

Runnin’ From a Monster by Nina Brewton

*“…Life can be such a nightmare…I’m trying to keep it together…I’m RUNNIN’ FROM A MON-
STER…FEELS LIKE I’M RUNNIN’ FROM A MONSTER…I…I KEEP…RUNNIN’ FROM A
MONSTER…FEELS LIKE I’M RUNNIN’, I’M RUNNIN’, I’M RUNNIN’…and I guess I’ve run the
wrong way…how could I have been so blind. Well, I guess I’m just a fool then, to think that it would
all disappear in time… “
Do you recall your first brush with fear? Was it a nightmare interrupting your slum-
ber, awaking you to the possibilities of monsters under the bed? Or the loud crack of thunder
accompanied by a bright, shining sword extending its’ blade through the sky? Whatever it was,
in our youth, the idea of the unknown sent many of us into a frenzy either
frozen under the covers with our eyes tightly shut or down the hall seeking
sanctuary in the room of an older sibling or our parents. Even in the pres-
ence of someone bigger and stronger than us, the eyes that peered through
the darkness from the confines of the closet were brighter than our own eyes
in the sunshine and at this point in our lives, fear of all things unfamiliar be-
gins to tighten its’ grip on our imagination.

On the other hand, the innocence of a child is also laced with wisdom. As
children we have confidence in our abilities in the light and many children
are fearless and willing to take on whatever the day brings be it an 8 ft tree to climb, a wide
creek to jump or a small clan of bullies to stand up to on the playground, their strength and “A wise
courage is magnified in the presence of light. man will
If children can display unmatched bravery in the face of adversity, how much harder should it hear and
be for us as adults to get over the fears that ridicule us day in and day out? It is quite natural increase
to fear the unknown but if we recognize the light that is associated with love, are children of learning,
God, our Creator, having received He who is Love and have the Spirit within us, there is no Ana man
reason to live according to the uncertainty of darkness. of
understan
Chapter Four of First John helps us to see the confidence that we have in the Light…in
ding will
Love…in God. Verse 13 “We know that we live in Him and He in us, because He has given us
of His Spirit…16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever attain
lives in love lives in God, and God in him…18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives wise
out fear…” counsel…”

The world has no need of seeking to conquer us with fear when our own imaginations leave us
entrapped in a nightmare as life becomes the monsters in our closets. With the love of God,
who is love, all things are possible. His perfect love drives out fear.

* “…I need your help, save me from myself; I’ve been running from me all along. I don’t know what I will
make of my life, if you don’t right all my wrongs…I’ve been running for so long yet I’m not getting any-
where…can you please come rescue me from this nightmare…I feel like I’m running…I’m so tired of run-
ning…”

*Leah Smith “Monster” from the album “Beautifully Made”

F.E.A.R: The Contaminant of Faith by Amina Carter

It used to be with great reluctance that I openly spoke about the things that I was “afraid” of. The cul-
tivation of fear around the issue of F.E.A.R./(F)alse (E)vidence (A)ppearing (R)eal is greater than we
often acknowledge. Once I became aware of the impact that fear was having in my life, I decided that I
had to make a change.

In order to cast fear out of one’s life, one must be able to clearly understand what it is. Using the
aforementioned acronym, one must evaluate themselves using F.E.A.R. as guide to and for emotional
freedom. Let’s take the first word, False. It has many definitions, however, this one seems to be appro-
priate for our subject matter: False - tending to deceive or mislead; deceptive. Another appropriate
definition: based on mistaken, erroneous, or inconsistent impressions, ideas, or facts. The fact of the
matter is none of what you are focusing on is founded in the “now”. I was taught that fear is future
based. However, recently a different, but relevant point of view was shared with me. Fear is also based
in one’s past experiences.

Arguing the side of fear being future-based, I would agree that one is focused on something that has
NOT yet happened. In this situation, you lend your energy to an event that has not yet come. Think
about it. Why waste your time, more importantly your Chi (life-force), anticipating something that has
yet to occur? What purpose is it serving you? Has anything positive or empowering come of your living
your life in fear? False evidence is a negative. If it is false what then are you proving? What then is evi-
dent?

(E)vidence implies that one is able to prove a fact or truth. Negatives can't simultaneously be positives
in this instance. Understanding this fact will allow the truth to become clear thus making the (F)alse a
positive and providing (E)vidence that will dispel this facade of F.E.A.R. altogether. Being the change
you want to see was more than just a saying; it's a way of life. In order to achieve different results in
your life, you have to "do" life differently. It's all about action. Your attitude and ability to incite posi-
tive change within yourself and your sphere of influence will inevitably yield immeasurable levels of
joy and contentment. That is all the proof you need!

One can reasonably argue that fear is based in past experiences. Past trauma, loss, hurt, or abuse can
surely begin a vicious cycle of fear-based living. The key to moving through is to begin examining the
differences between actual reality and a reality that is perceived. Sometimes this may require the assis-
tance from a counselor or therapist. The depth and severity of one’s dis-ease with fear will determine
the kind of assistance and support they would need. We must begin to peel back the layers of our-
selves and identify the root of our issues.
Let’s address the other parts of the acronym, (A)ppearing (R)eal. The appearance of something does not always
allow it to show up in a true and honest form. Makeup makes the skin “appear” to be smooth, however, its pur-
pose is to disguise facial flaws and make things look as though they’re perfect. We as individuals, substantiate
these falsehoods based on our inability to comfortably face those things we often know will be challenging. We
make allowances for this false evidence to secure residence within our spirits; it occupies the space in which faith
should be. Like oil and water, the two don’t mix.
What is real? Reality is not based in your perception. It must be supported by actual fact. Think about the thing
that you are most afraid of. What facts are supporting and validating this F.E.A.R.? When you begin to decon-
struct the wall that you have built around whatever you are “afraid” of, you will then see that fear, in actuality, is
not real. The word and acronym F.E.A.R. void one another out. False and real can’t just as fear and faith can-
not. Stop forcing them to battle within you. Allow faith to win!

As a lifestyle consultant, this journey had to begin with me. In order for me to be of service to my clients, I have
to speak from a place of healing and not a place of pain. Understanding and confronting my fears thus far, has
been the most rewarding journey. Facing your fear is like alcohol rehabilitation. You are considered a fear-a-
holic, and your life is your rehabilitation. There is always a chance that you can fall back into the habit of living
in fear, however, I don’t subscribe to being put in a box or labeled. I am Amina Carter, a woman who faces fear
everyday. I am determined to live my life denying a false idea to dictate the direction of my life. Who are you
and how will you begin to deny fear access to your life?

The key to change...is to let go of fear

Rosanne Cash
Page 6 Newsletter Title

Fear by Dawn Seals

Fear can manifest itself in so many ways, physically through

panic attacks, mentally by worrying, and spiritually making you
feel depleted of energy. Fear is truly our inability to give every-
thing over to the Lord completely. We who trust and believe
and rely on the Lord and say that we trust Him with everything
even we fall prey to this. We say we believe, but that part of us
that wants to know what will happen, what the outcome will be,
that part of us that wants to control things, wants to make
things happen ourselves, when we start to rely on that part of us
more than the Lord fear creeps in. Why you might ask, simply
this. We are not capable of the impossible. We simply are not.
We are created beings designed by our Magnificent Creator and
though we are each unique, authentic, beautifully and wonder-
fully made we are still created beings. Now, I am not trying to
take anything away from us. We all were made in our Mighty
Creators image, but that is what we are-- images of Him. We did
Only when we are not create ourselves therefore, we cannot “make” anything out
no longer afraid do
of nothing. There is a point or place where we start and
we begin to live.
whether we want to believe it or not our Creator pushes us in
Dorothy Thompson that direction. However, the moment we step away from Him,
the moment we venture out into that great vastness of life alone
fear can and does often come upon us it will make you doubt
your every step, we all must remember is Fear is not real its just
and illusion a mist of what could be: what might be a whisper of
the negative-- the worse of the worse. It can cause the strongest
man or woman to lose her footing and question every decision
she has ever made. Fear is not real. I do not know how much
more I can reiterate that. Fear is not real. Our Creator our Won-
derful and Amazing God tells us that in Him there is no need
to fear that Love casts fear out. So if Love, which is what Our
God truly is, casts out all fear that means one thing-- if you
walk, stay with, fashion yourself to, attach yourself to, “super
glue” yourself to Our God fear may come near you but it will
never stay with you.
 Let Go of the FEAR
T EACHING AND I NSPIRING
THE M ASSES
By Carla Thorpe

Whenever you are faced with a fear try these simple steps
Teaching and Inspiring the Masses to help you overcome.

To contribute pictures or Set aside time for reflection

articles email:
Agree to be honest with yourself
perseverenews@gmail.com
Ask yourself “Why are you afraid of …?”
Write it down
Agree to face the fear and let it with time be removed.

V I SI T O UR B LO G
PE RSE VE RE NE WS .

B LO G SPO T . CO M

Contributing Writers
Marleen C. Greenleaf — marleen@iwillassistyou.net
Dawn Seals — aurora.brown@gmail.com
Nina Brewton — ninacinspires@gmail.com
Pearson Lee — pearsonlee73@yahoo.com
Amina Carter— goddesscoach@aminacarter.com
Contributing Editor
Andrea Thompson — daughterofwaters@gmail.com
Photo Submittals by:
Kerin Anderson — kqanderson.johnson@gmail.com