A letter from Stan Bower to the businessmen in the St. Louis region Fear is an interesting emotion. In my opinion, most people are gripped by fear at “inception”. (Sounds like a great movie title, doesn’t it??) Actually, the word inception means the beginning or origin. Fear is masked in all of us as we ‘enjoy’ our addictions. Some addictions define us, and are good, like my addiction to water - a much-needed substance in life. Other addictions, like alcohol or drugs, can destroy us. The inception of fear into our souls, specifically in our minds, can control us and cloud our thinking. In turn, it impacts our behavior - what we say and what we do. In Exodus 4, Moses was in the backside of the desert - after nearly 40 years – and had overcome great fear regarding three important areas in his life - food, water and shelter. God later turned Moses’ staff into a snake – and Moses ran from it; thus God identified Moses’ greatest remaining fear – snakes. God then commanded Moses to pick it up by the tail – the opposite way we should pick up a snake, which is by the head. Moses did as he was told, and grabbed his greatest fear. The snake then turned back into a staff. What is your greatest fear? What addiction does your fear drive you to do compulsively? Is this a good or bad behavior? We all have our fears and I have had to confront mine, so I can speak from personal experience. Just grab it by the tail (remember … God’s ways are not our ways) and then allow God to turn your fear into a tool in your hand to be used by God and for God. After complying with God, Moses used his staff to turn the Nile into blood and win the battle against the Amalekites. What miracles will God do in your hand this week - this day - if you grab your greatest fear at its inception in your mind? Thanks for your support. It allows me to continue to help set men free from their captivity of fear. Stanley A. Bower