I'm not sure if you've heard but there was a terrorist attack in Nashville recently. It wasn't the first, nor will it be the last. They occur far more frequently than we realize but they rarely make the news.
Terrorism is defined as: " the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion." A terrorist is "one who inspires fear and dread." We all face terror, which is an overwhelming feeling of fear or dread that causes panic, on occasion. The result is not always fallen buildings with people trapped beneath. Yet, for the victims, the aftermath is very real.
In an attempt to enjoy a lovely day my husband and I decided to do some exploring along the Natchez Trace Parkway. A wonderful stretch of highway 444 miles long, running from Fairview, TN to Natchez, MS, "The Trace" offers a variety of scenery and historical sights. Bicyclers, bikers, hikers, drivers, campers, etc. often find an escape from the high volume city traffic by traveling its course. It is by far one of the best national scenic bypasses.
It is hard to imagine that such a peaceful place would be the target of a terrorist plot. Yet I can personally verify that an actual attack took place. I'm a witness of both the attack and it's aftermath.
Stopping at various points along the way we came upon a sign that said "Jackson Falls." My curiosity was piqued. I love waterfalls and could hardly believe we'd stumbled upon the opportunity to witness the beauty of cascading water. Anticipating the opportunity to try out my new camera lens I practically leaped out of the car.
We saw a sign for the trail leading to the waterfall which was beyond our view. Although it couldn't be seen it could be heard and sounded beautiful, inviting, and close. We started down the path. As a person who is handicapped by a long term illness, which has left one of my legs unusable, that meant walking with crutches on one foot. For some that would be a big deal but since I've been doing it for over a decade it's not much of a problem.
Leisurely crutching alongside my husband we stopped here and there to take in the sights. Interesting looking trees, mossy carpeted rocks, and finally a small stream of water. I had to use my telephoto lens to really see it because it was way down below us.
I stood for a few moments and took pictures. As I did I was thinking that perhaps we should head back to the car and continue on our journey. Unable to see the path ahead, that seemed to be the wisest decision. It was then that the terrorist attack occurred.
I've been told by doctors that multiple sclerosis will eventually put me in a wheelchair. I've already spent more time in one than I care to admit but they've explained that my condition will worsen over time.
Standing there I was reminded of that suddenly, out of the blue, in my mind. I began to panic at the thought that, at some point, I might be completely housebound and unable to care for myself. Dread of the future with the accompanying fear that eventually I won't be able to walk coerced me into traveling the rest of the path. It was extremely steep and would be treacherous for the healthiest hiker. For me it could easily have been a death trap. It's only by the grace of God that I did not fall headlong down it and I have no idea how I ever made it back up.
Talk about an aftermath. By the time we got back to the house my body was beginning to ache. Bed seemed like the best place to go for relief but there was none to be found. I spent most of the night unsuccessfully hunting for a position that was even remotely free of pain. By morning it hurt even to roll my eyes.
All of this because satan, the enemy of my soul, used lies about a future that only God knows to bring fear and dread to me in the present. Using his wiles and schemes to penetrate my mind I reacted in fear rather than responding in faith. Had I acted in faith I might have saved the trail for another day when I am able to safely walk it with both feet. I would have looked for the brighter future that God has promised to me.
Terror or fear is something that entered the world as a result of the fall of man. Before they sinned, by eating the forbidden fruit, the Bible says that Adam and Eve walked and talked with God. After they had been disobedient God came to spend time with them, in the cool of the evening, only to find them hiding. His inquiries brought to light the sad fact that, not only had their eyes had been open to things never meant for them to see, fear had come a factor in their lives. And not just for them but also all mankind.
Their behavior and feelings were the beginning of a battle that rages in each of our lives at one time or another. Often times we become worried or afraid and as a result we panic and do senseless things. The consequences can be devastating physically, emotionally, and spiritually to us and our loved ones.
Terrorism is alive and well in Nashville, TN. As a matter-of-fact it's running rampant all over the world. It's time we beef up our security by arming ourselves with the Word of God. As the "sword of the Spirit" it is the greatest weapon we have against terror when we properly apply it's principles to our lives and refuse to believe the lies of the devil.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood..." for more click here.
For more information on Natchez Trace Parkway click here.
If you are look for a placed to stay on "The Trace" you can find good information here.
Comments
All I can say is Amen! I have had many terrorist attacks on my mind over the years! Most of them were labeled "fear", "dread", "worry"
Karen:
This isn't the first attack I've experienced but it's really gotten my attention.
Time to beef things up around here.
God bless you for taking the time to comment.
Melinda
Amen to that Melinda!! I really enjoyed your article. Worry, fear, doubt all rob us and attack us unless we use the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT!!!
Fantastic article.....
I really admire your spirit.
Michael & Kathyrn thank you for stopping by and for your encouraging comments.
This was a beautiful post Melinda! It was a great reminder to me to pause and listen for God's still voice before I become anxious or fearful. Sometimes I forget that God directed my past and HE will direct my future. Terror has warped my joy many times. Thanks for sharing and raising the sword of the SPIRIT!
As a disabled person, how do you feel about the Virginia lawmaker Bob Marshall who said at a press conference last week that God is taking "vengeance" on parents who have had abortions by making their children disabled. Virginia also repealed discrimination laws against gays. Why are conservatives so unChrist-like and use God as a means of dividing people? Sad. These people are terrorists, the American version of the Taliban.
Melinda, what a blessing! What encouraging! I, too, suffer from terrorists' attacks; we all do! I needed this article today. My prayers for you and the 'cross' that God has given you to bear. May you continue to do so with the grace, boldness and strength that only comes from God.
I have been to that waterfall and along the Trace, it is beautiful. satan (and yes I meant for the name to be lower case as he does not deserve a capital letter) wants us to be in the state of fear, worry, dread, etc all the time but GOD is bigger than all of those things. Know that GOD has done great things thru you Melinda and will do great things for you. We just do not know what those things are. Have great Faith in your FATHER as HE will protect and guide you. Thanks for reminding me to have faith like a child.
Melinda I spent last night talking with someone in the midst of their terrorist attack. You are so right - THE answer is being armed and ready with what God says about us and our situations. Peace is what Jesus left for us, not fear. Going to have what He gave me!
To Virginia:
My reponse to your question is that people like Bob Marshall need a great deal of prayer.
I've not heard his comment but if you have quoted it accurately it does not reflect Biblical truth.
A "few" people do not represent an entire group. The entire population of Christians can't be judged by one man or even a few.
There are terrorists every place. Some even visit blogs, as the comments on my articles overall reflect, and attempt to control by provoking fear and dread.
Thank you for asking.
Melinda
Wonderful post, Melinda. Reminds me of an analogy made by Beth Moore in her revised Breaking Free Bible study. She spoke of learning to shoot a shotgun in preparation for nature walks on her (rattlesnake infested) ranch land. Then compared that feisty imagery to battling spiritual threats (fear, worry, dread, "terrorist"). Said that our best "ammo" in that situation is God's Word. I see that you are well-armed. :-)
thanks for this picturesque insight. i admire and appreciate you. peace.
The human spirit is a wonderful thing and even more so when God's perfect love casts out our fear. This article is a celebration of overcoming fear. For the commenter who came out of left field with the anti-conservative diatribe, how does that make you any better than the people you criticize? Generalizations always show a prejudicial leaning and I don't understand how you could have possibly missed the point of this well written article.
Perfect timing once again.....I needed that!
Wow! The title of this post certainly caught my attention. The enemy is expert in planting "thought bombs" in the most unexpected places and most inopportune times. We need to become experts in "mind sweeping."
Wonderful, inspirational post!
Powerful word!
You've stooped to using a title like this to spread religious propoganda. It's unbelievable that you would try to draw a parallel between a minuet fear and genuine terrorism.
This deceiving title draws people in to the snare. What a hypocrite.
Great article, very informative and a good reminder.
Wonderful article. You had me at the title. We do need to be on alert.
God bless!
Like others, the title had me wondering. What a lead-in to a great spiritual truth. Max Lucado talks about the very real fear in his book "Fearless." Max has a way of revealing things like no other. Thanks to him and to you Melinda.
Very good article, Melinda. As you say, we all have had or are having some kind of terrorist attacks of the mind. Fearing what "might happen" instead of just trusting God to take care of His own and giving us the direction that we need. satan is always trying to confuse and frighten us into not believing God. Worry is actually a sin because it means we don't TRUST that God will take care of our problems. God bless you, Melinda!! You have such a beautiful spirit; and I always look forward to your posts.
I love Eph 6:12-18 in The Message:
"And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard & long. Pray for your brothers and sisters."
Good article!
sorry you are hurting but the artical was great and all the informatian as well.
Love,
Mom
Does hallucinations come with MS? Or are you just normally paranoid?
JJ, help me understand why being mean spirited is an admirable trait? Maybe you're just another one of those people who ridicule the things that they don't understand.
Melinda, I really enjoyed your article.We as christians need to be aware of everything that goes on around us and know that God will help us when we feel fear is overtaking our lifes.I am still beliving for God's healing for you. You really inspire me everyday as I see you continue to share what God has on your heart, even when some days you do not have the strength. God bless you and keep you is my prayer.
Outstanding article.
Melinda, I did not know about your health struggle...but I'm glad you shared this. You are so right. It's not just a mental game, nor is it just trying to have a good attitude. It is a matter of warfare. And by the way, I love the Natchez Trace and have traveled most of it. Somewhere near there you can exit the Trace and be near the Loveless Cafe for some of the best fried chicken and biscuits ever to be found on this earth. I bet you've already known that though.
Hey John:
Thanks for stopping by. I've never tried the Loveless Cafe, since illness has not allowed me nearly enough time on The Trace, but I will and I'll be thinking of your supporting words.
God bless!
Great writing!
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