By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
We all have something that frightens us. Our list of fears is endless—heights, flying, public speaking,
the dark, snakes, spiders, falling, doctors, germs, and the list goes on.
Today is Columbus Day, and I wonder what Christopher Columbus might have been afraid of. Here are six things that I doubt he feared because history shows us he lived life fearlessly.
- Fear of water since he left school at the age of 14 to apprentice himself on a trading ship. He spent most of his life on the seas.
- Fear the earth was flat because he set out to find Asia by sailing west. In truth, Columbus was not the first European to sail to the new continent of America.
- Fear of criticism. Before finding the new world, which he always believed was part of Asia, he was a pirate. Later on he became a slave trader.
- Fear of Satan. Columbus believed in God and wanted to bring Christianity to the heathen peoples of the world.
- Fear of being wrong. In looking at items 2, 3, and 4, Columbus was his own man. He never believed he discovered America. His claim was to have landed in the Indies when he actually arrived in the Caribbean islands.
- Fear of government. He published a list of promises the Spanish were supposed to fulfill, but didn’t.
- Fear of timidity. Columbus became the first Englishman to gaze upon the shores of South America.
- Fear of the unknown. What we do know is Columbus was a brave man with an adventuresome spirit. If he had fears, he overcame them.
This website provides 74 facts about Christopher Columbus with references. Take a look. Some we learned as kids and others are thought provoking: http://facts.randomhistory.com/christopher-columbus-facts.html.
Perhaps it’s time we face our fears and see what we can accomplish.
Share time! What is the one thing that scares you?
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DiAnn’s Library Corner
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Take advantage of upcoming holidays by decorating your library and recommending books that focus on the special day.
Comments 37
I hate snakes and spiders 🙁
Going to the dentist!
I am afraid of rattlesnakes
Since my husband has had two serious accidents, I worry when he is on the road going to and from work. We also have a son with Autism and I worry about what will happen to him that we are unable to know about since he has limited communication. No matter how prepared you think you are there are always those things that will surface.
I would say that spiders scare me more than anything. I wish I could challenge myself like Christopher Columbus did to overcome my fears. I used to be really terrified of heights, however, my husband and I have done a lot of hiking and that has helped me handle that problem much better.
hornets and bees!
Hi George, My husband killed 59 wasps of them yesterday, and I’m right there with you!
I am afraid of heights and roller coasters and party planning
Oh my, the things we fear.
Spiders
I don’t like spiders either – but bridges and snakes get to me. Thanks for posting.
I am afraid of sharks which is weird cuz I never go out in the ocean even though I live only 10 miles from it. When my family from the desert comes to visit me and we go to the beach I get my feet wet up to my ankles….so why am I afraid of sharks? Weird. Guess I have seen too many shark movies.
Jackie, Did you see the movie Jaws? That would make anyone afraid of sharks – and it’s not weird!
I have a lot of fears, normal like spiders. snakes, deep water. and I litterly get dizzy at hights. But the past year, I was finally diagnoised with MS, and now I don’t know what my future will be like. My goal right now is to keep mobil and to keep reading as long as possible. I don’t want to be a burden on my family so that helps to push me on. I’m hoping that reading will help keep my mind active till the end. My fear is really of the unknown. Apparently I’ve had this for a long time already and the lord has been with me.
Nancy, I’m praying for you. God has a plan, and He’ll help you through this change in your life. He is greater than our fears.
The biggest fear I have is not of dying because I know I’ll be with Jesus, but more of leaving my children and husband alone. My husband has already seen 2 of his angels so I’m know I’ll see him again but all four of my sons were saved and now living solely in the world!! I’m afraid I might not ever be with them again! Judy F
Hi Judy, I understand the heartache of family members not following Jesus. All we can do is pray and trust Jesus. But it is a true fear.
Heights scare me.
So does deep water–which includes any body of water in which I can’t see the bottom. (Namely anything other than a bathtub or swimming pool. lol)
I think so!
Mice. Need I say more!!! 🙂
Janetta, I grew up on a farm. I know mice. Yikes!
Even though I know I will be going to an incredible place when I die, I fear the pain that can come before I get to go.
Hi think we all are right there with you. We want to get past the bad stuff and on to the good.
my fear is of drowning
My mother has the same fear – stopped her from any water activities. So sorry!
my fear is of failure to be what God expects me to be
Sheila, we can only walk alongside Him and follow His lead.
The only thing I fear is snakes!
I’m right there with you! Hate snakes.
I don’t know if it is just dislike or aversion but I hate snakes and have an aversion to heights. I have a reason for the heights problem though as I fell the equivalent of a story and a half at my aunts house. They were refurbishing an old house and the upstairs had no floors in the upper story. this was an old German style house with high ceilings. I missed a joist and went through the ceiling. Didn’t like heights after that. I used to fear speaking in front of people but not singing, how weird is that? I took a class on public speaking and ever since you can’t shut me up. I get all fan girl about some people and can’t talk but mostly I try to stay silent until I feel comfortable talking with people. You, DiAnn, made me not talk much at first, until I got to know you better. So in summary I’m afraid of snakes, heights, and new people. Guess I’m still kind of shy at times. LOL
Connie, the snake fear is me too. And bridges. I hope you’re never afraid to speak to me!
I’m afraid of snakes.
I think we have a consensus. The snake fear has our name on it.
Interesting but obviously true. But I have a horrible fear of mice and/or rodents. It’s so bad that should I see one my body locks in place and my hesrt rate soars. I don’t know why it’s so bad but it’s a terrible phobia for me. Thanks for sharing these facts.
Carol L
Carol, I’m so sorry! I don’t like mice and rodents either but not in a paralyzing way.
Even though I KNOW God is in complete control, I fear for the future of the U.S. as we know it and what that means for my grandchildren.
Come quickly Lord Jesus!
Gail, we know God has a plan, and we have to trust He’ll take care of our children and grandchildren. I’m concerned too.