St. Pope John Paul II - "Do not be afraid"

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Tis_Bearself

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A priest mentioned that St. Pope John Paul II had said “Do not be afraid” in a speech to young people.
As I am constantly having to fight off anxiety currently with respect to an aspect of my life and St. Pope JPII is one of the saints I pray to regarding that, I looked for some video of this. Posting it here so maybe others who have fears or anxiety will feel inspired.

Awesome that he’s actually speaking in English (I’ll admit I do miss that with Pope Francis) and that he’s also shown kissing Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko’s gravestone. Blessed Jerzy is also one of my favorite beati and I visited his grave so I recognized it right away.

 
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It’s so easy to fall into fear in this scary world where so many people are hurting and angry.
It’s good to remember how St Peter could walk on water (against all logic and lived experience!) as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus but the moment he looked away he sank.
 
Apparently at some time, he wrote “Be not afraid” in script. Some people have gotten tattoos with that message on their wrist in his handwriting. There is also somewhere I think, a company that makes temporary tattoos like that.
 
I am reminded of one of St. Padre Pio’s favorite sayings: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry!”

Many times I think of that saying when discomfort comes to me.
 
That’s interesting about the handwriting. I was curious about that and whether he had actually written it in English or Polish as there are pictures of the tattoo in Polish also - I discovered there is actually an entire font called “Pope John Paul II” that imitates his handwriting so you can spell out the phrase in any language you wish (I think I saw it in Italian also).
 
Oh, that’s really interesting! A font of his handwriting. Maybe that is how it was done. Hmmm…🤔
 
This video brought tears to my eyes. My relationship with God is tenuous at best. I want to trust Him and let Him in, but I resist. I AM afraid. I am afraid of God.
 
Keep trying. Being afraid is normal. The OT is full of people who were afraid of God. Even the Blessed Mother was afraid when she saw the angel, because he had to tell her, “Do not be afraid.”
 
In such cases it is good to remind ourselves of this:
‘I have chosen you; stop being anxious and watchful, for I am your God. I give you strength, I bring you help, I uphold you with my victorious right hand. Yes, all those who rage against you shall be put to shame and confusion; they who fought against you shall be destroyed and perish. I am your God, I am holding you by the right hand; I tell you: Do not be afraid, I will help you.’ - Isaiah 41:10
 
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