Do you like spooky stories? 
Do you like being scared? 
 
I sure don’t.  I scare very easily and my sister loved scaring me when we were growing up.  Maureen would hide in the darkness and jump out from the shadows when I least expected it.  Sometimes I would even sense it was coming, and I would still get scared!  I would shout and jump and clutch my racing heart as she would just laugh and laugh.  I’m sure it was hilarious; hence she would keep doing it!  Siblings, I tell you what.

This time of year (tomorrow is Halloween after all), there are all sorts of ways people will be scared or will try to scare others.  There are those who love scary movies and haunted hayrides and haunted houses.  Even those haunted houses where the actors are allowed to grab you and you have to sign a waiver before you even walk through the door!  Some folks love the creative outlet Halloween provides—the opportunity to be unique with one’s costume or make-up.  There are relatively harmless pranks and good-natured scares that make us laugh or lighten the mood.  Not to mention all that Halloween candy we may enjoy in the hours and days after trick or treating. 

Though these days there are a lot of scary situations that are not light-hearted. 
War and hurricanes. 
The ongoing government shutdown. 
Increasing food insecurity and income inequality.

Some days it is scary when we look around.  This week I have been thinking about light-hearted scary stuff and actual real-life scary stuff.  How many times and in how many different ways did Jesus tell us to not be afraid?  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is God’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)  Jesus said this not to deny that there is anything scary going on.  But to remind us that God is with us no matter what we face. 

Love,
Pastor Lauren

Photo by Rosie Sun on Unsplash

Thursday Thoughts 10/30/25