“Praise be to the God…who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4

While taking a bath I noticed movement on the floor. Coming closer to presumably greet me, lay a ‘Tegenaria Domestica,’ commonly known as the domestic house spider. My reaction was spontaneous as I blurted out, “well hey there buddy!” As I moved my head, he ran under the open door! I guess he was figuring he was hiding, even though his legs could be seen sticking out from both sides of the door. Silly spider!

You may call me weird, but spiders and snakes do not scare me. After 64+ years on this earth without incident, I figure the odds of getting attacked or bitten by either are lower than dying from the Corona Virus… which, last I read, is less than .00 something. What I DON’T like is the ‘Periplaneta Americana,’ or ‘American Roach.’ Down here in Florida they are called ‘Palmetto Bugs!’

It was my first trip to SW Florida and I was 19 years old when I encountered my first one. I was sitting on the john when it sauntered out from under a counter. It came out cocky, (hence the name I guess) stood right in front of me, stared and wiggled its long antennae. It was almost 3” long! Chills ran down my spine since I didn’t know what the thing was or if it had teeth! When I tried to swat it with a towel… it FLEW into my face…then around the room!! I guessed it was laughing at my Yankee ignorance and naked fear!

Though the incident of the attacking bug has never been repeated, I can’t seem to get it out of my head. Time, experience and taking to Florida natives has tamed that initial fear to a simple act of vengeance. When I spray or swat, I do it with an attitude of… ‘so who’s cocky NOW?’ SMACK…then FLUSH…for justice sake!! It feel better now because I am someone who knows.

There are a LOT of things that are scary on this planet. And for VERY good reason. They CAN hurt you! Pain, sickness, hurt, loss, fear and death are VERY real. And EVERYONE has experience. When it comes to death, the ULTIMATE fear, if it hasn’t visited your world, just give it time. It IS on the way! But so is the COMFORT by which we can overcome its sting!

Jesus came, died, and in brash cockiness, rose again! Then…He made the statement that, because of what HE did, I can and shall do so as well… if I choose to follow Him that is. It is not only an encouragement…it is a PROMISE. Now.. knowing Him…I have the ability to go out and encourage OTHERS to become just as cocky in their knowledge and experience. So…what scares YOU?