Fear of Death

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

14 Sep 2008 09:30 PM

In the forums we have been discussing fears. Beth recently wrote a blog about people's fear of death. At the time I suggested 'To have assurance of a life beyond death makes all the difference in the way it is approached.'

Beth wasn't convinced 'Possibly so, but I know many people who would consider themselves to be religious and yet cannot face talking about their own mortality. I guess it is often a case of "everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die!"

Yet I know some people who have their funeral all planned, right down to the hymns. They can talk about it openly. I've picked mine as well - hymns that reflect my faith in God and all He has done for me. Is it morbid? Or just being practical and looking ahead?

But it seems some people agree with Beth and cannot even talk about their death but live in fear of it. Sometimes though I wonder if it's not death we are afraid of so much as the manner of dying and how we might cope with the pain and problems caused by some disease. For playwright Debra Oswald this was the case. She had a fear of cancer.

Having watched my mother suffer this disease and the pain she went through I can understand and associate with this fear. Anyone who's been closely involved with a person they love suffering the pain of cancer could probably associate with this feeling. Debra Oswald found as I have too, that if we spend too much time fearful of what the future holds we actually miss out on the joys of the present.

When we are focused on our fears and what might happen, we actually fail to see the blessings that are around us every day. Ye, I know I'm a great one for looking for the blessings and gifts in each day and reasons to be thankful.

It may be the smile of a child or a loved one or a phone call or email from a friend. It might be just waking up to a new day.

It may be something as simple as a vase of sweet peas with their amazing perfume and colors. Yes, that's one of mine at present. A vase of sweet peas on my desk that cheer me with their color and their perfume. Secondly I've had the flu and while annoying and leaving me feeling drained, it's nothing more serious. That's another reason to be thankful. Today I even got out in the sunshine for a while.

And of course I'm thankful always for Mick's love and care. So my reponse in a way was similar to the conclusion Beth came to about living better in the timw we have. What are you thankful for today? Or are you letting fear rule your life?

Please visit these related blogs

Notebook of Blessings

Coping with Death

The Secret to Enjoying Life

A Life Weighed against Euthanasia

The Gift or Blessing in Each Day

Learn more about Dale Harcombe

Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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