New Format

Fear of the Unknown

Fear of the Unknown
Written in 1972
by Elva Leitem

As I lay here snug, warm and secure in my bed, I can hardly believe it was only a few short years ago that I went through that terrible experience of being trapped in the place of the unknown.

I suddenly became aware of being enclosed in a small dark place, with barely enough room to move. Although it was warm, I felt so cramped, that I kept stretching my arms and legs to get exercise. As I did this I discovered the walls were flexible which made it a little less uncomfortable.

I heard muffled sounds in the distance and it seemed I was continually being jogged and bounced about. It was frightening. Sometimes it would be quite still and I would stretch my legs, then I would get jogged around again for a few minutes, then stillness again. At these times it was quite silent too.

The time seemed endless and the room grew smaller and smaller and I became more cramped and uncomfortable each day. I was so bored and depressed.

Just when I was giving up hope of ever getting out of this stifling place, I felt motion and heard noises and I could feel excitement all around me. I knew something was about to happen, but what? I was so afraid.

Suddenly I was thrown out with a great force into an ice-cold, bright room full of giants, all dressed in white. I was so scared I couldn’t get my breath. Then a giant grabbed me and hit me with all his might right on my bottom. It smarted and I yelled out in protest at the full capacity of my lungs.

Then I was plunged into water and I thought I would surely drown. It was so cold and bright. Then I was wrapped roughly in some sort of rough stuff and suddenly I was held close with great tenderness. I felt warm and secure as gentle arms enclosed me. I was so foolish to be scared of the unknown because awaiting me was the most tender love of my mother and father.

Now it is many years later and I lay here with fear in my heart. Darkness once again is closing in around me and again I feel stifled and breath is going out of me. I feel again that something is about to happen, but what? I’m so frightened once more. Then I remember how foolish I was before because awaiting me were tender arms of love. Suddenly I feel unafraid. I realize I’m merely being born again into a different unknown place and surely as the first time, tender arms of love are waiting to enfold me once more.

This is true because I trust on Jesus as my Savior and received eternal life.
Jesus has said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the father except by me.”
John 14:6