Reaching in the Dark

Have you ever been in a place where it seemed so dark, that you felt you would never find the way out? That place where your thoughts are swirling, and everything feels hopeless? You might want to “look on the bright side”, but at the time you’re not even sure that a bright side exists.

Whether those feelings are brought on by circumstances, or you suffer from a more chronic condition, this can be a frightening and debilitating place to be.

When I was 16, I got locked into a large department store while using the restroom. One minute it was bright, and the next I was plunged into utter darkness.

Immediately I was seized by the irrational fear that someone had deliberately turned the lights out…I was absolutely terrified! At first I didn’t make a sound, nor did I move a muscle. even my breathing seemed too loud. I believed someone was actually in the room with me…crazy, I know. But that’s what happens when panic sets in.

After what seemed like an eternity, I eventually felt my way around the room until finally, (and this took awhile),  I located the door handle. All the while I hadn’t made a sound, still scared to death that the lights had been deliberately turned out.

Once outside, I realized that the entire store was vacant…locked up tight… and that I must have been confused about the store hours. When I was able to figure out what had happened, the fear vanished, for the most part. There still could have been someone left in the store with me, but that, I told myself, was a bit far-fetched, and chose the more rational conclusion. Fortunately for me the store had outside windows, and since it was only six p.m. it was still dimly lit. Kind of creepy, but not nearly as freaky as when there was absolutely no light at all!

Well after using the phone and calling 911, they finally got a hold of the owner and someone came to let me out. What a relief to finally be free again! Now I can simply chalk that episode up to a great story.

However, most stories don’t end as quickly, or as neatly. When you’re dealing with fear, it can definitely take on a life of its own! So what do you do when fear sets in?

Fear is a place I used to know very well. In fact, for a period of time I experienced fairly frequent panic attacks. Let me tell those of you who have never experienced panic…it is not a fun place to be!

Now I’m not silly enough to think that a small article is going to solve the world’s issues with fear! However, I have learned a few things that have definitely helped me along the way. The main one is, turn to the only One who can truly turn the lights on! God loves you, and longs to give you comfort in your dark times.

(On a more comical note, tonight I won an award for being the best storyteller during a contest at a local coffee shop. My husband and I had gone to see our son and daughter’s band perform. In between sets they had a storytelling contest, and I told the story about the lights going out in the bathroom…guess it is pretty funny when you think about it! Now I have one more interesting tidbit in my portfolio:)

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