The First Step Is Fear

If I weren't afraid I'd never have made The decision that changed my life's direction An absolute gut-check, no options carefully weighed My path took an abrupt mid-course correction Raised with a bare modicum of religious instruction I knew I was born Jewish, but that's about all Didn't see anything in it but weeping and destruction 'Til the day my ignorance made me feel small Confronted by an aggressive evangelist, I had no reply Couldn't defend my forefathers' faith with a single 'why' Thought I, a 3,000-year-tradition must have a lot to say I resolved to go to Israel the very next day While I had always resented being labeled 'a Jew' What if the little I knew was actually true? That there's a God in Heaven Who loves you But Who you're personally accountable to Looking back, it was my fear that saved me From turning my back on my people and nation For that I can surely thank my lucky stars That fear's the first step toward faith and salvation September 09, 2019 If I Weren't Afraid Poetry Contest Sponsor: Line Gauthier