The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Mark 16:8, “And they went out and fled from the tomb,

for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and

they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.”

Have you ever been afraid? Sure, we all have. But,

why are we afraid? What causes fear? Sudden, unexpected

things happen that cause us to fear. Remember when someone

jumped out of the dark and shouted at you? Sometimes, fear is

caused by a negative anticipation. Remember the first time you

were scheduled to recite something or play or sing? Fear gripped

you at the very thought because you’d never done it before.

I think we can sympathize with people who are afraid. The disciples

were afraid when they saw the angel inside the empty tomb. The

priest Zacharias feared when the Angel Gabriel appeared to him

in the Temple (Luke 1:12). Mary was troubled at the appearance

of the Angel Gabriel and of his message that she would bear the

promised Messiah (Luke 1:29). Zacharias’ friends were fearful

when he began to speak after a long time of silence (Luke 1:65).

There are a huge number of things that cause us fear. But, we

are instructed throughout the Scriptures not to be afraid. All things

are in the Hands of our LORD. “’He has done all things well’” (Mark

7:37). He is ever and always in control. Things often look bad, and

they produce fear in us; but we need to remember that Jesus is Alive!

And He lives within us in the Holy Spirit. Just learn to trust Him, and

forge ahead, doing and saying what He gives us strength to do.

He is always with us — always!

Love and prayers always,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”