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A couple of years ago I discovered a word that would soon become my favorite word to date.
The word is ‘sonder’.
While I am aware that John Koenig made up this word in his book The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrow, I am aware of how much the word resonates with all of us.
The best way I like to describe this word is this; we are all an extra in someone else’s story.
Witnessing the parents on the recent Parent Vision Trip really highlighted this word for me. I watched relationships between parents and children which reflected how important it is that we are a part of each other’s lives, how much we can learn from one another, and how important it is that we do take part in lives around us.
All those amazing children and caregivers at the CarePoints in Eswatini, we “sondered” with them too. It was beautiful. Every life has its own story.
It may seem odd that I am writing about this when I am focusing this blog on the 365 times it mentions not to fear in the bible. But here is the deal. God’s call for us to not be afraid reflects profoundly in our relationships with others. When we embody courage and trust in God’s plan, we are able to approach our interactions with faith rather than fear. This allows us to build stronger, more authentic connections with those around us.
By heeding God’s call to not be afraid, we are able to cultivate faith, love, and courage. We become beacons of light and hope for others, inspiring them to also let go of fear and embrace trust in God and one another. Our relationships thus become sacred spaces where God’s love and grace abound, strengthening and uplifting all who dwell within them.
———————-51 more DO NOT FEAR verses!
Luke 12:7 – Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Isaiah 37:6, Matthew 1:20, Judges 4:18, Jeremiah 10:5, Genesis 46:3, Jeremiah 30:10, Exodus 14:13, Judges 6:23, Deuteronomy 20:3, II Chronicles 20:17
Psalm 46:2 – Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
Zephaniah 3:16, Luke 5:10, Acts 18:9, Revelation 1:17, Matthew 10:26, Isaiah 26:3, I Samuel 12:20, Psalm 27:3, I Samuel 4:20, Psalm 49:16
Deuteronomy 31:8 – ‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’
Mark 13:11, Daniel 10:12, Isaiah 54:14, Jeremiah 1:8, Zechariah 8:13, Matthew 28:5, Deuteronomy 20:1, II Chronicles 20:15, II Kings 19:6
Mark 5:36 – Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’
Deuteronomy 3:2, Isaiah 44:2, 1 John 4:18, Revelation 2:10, Isaiah 7:4, I Chronicles 22:13, Job 21:9, I Samuel 23:17
John 16:33 – ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’
Lamentations 3:57, II Kings 1:15, Matthew 10:28, Numbers 6:24-26, Joshua 8:1, Numbers 21:34, Romans 5:1-4, Numbers 21:3, Deuteronomy 1:21
