Is there a common thread that unites all obstacles to a flourishing, mature life? I've been asking this question, and you know what? I think it's fear. Fear is sticky... wherever it takes root, we get stuck in our journey towards maturity. Of course, not all fear is bad. Sometimes, as we mature, we learn that some things should be avoided. A healthy fear of fire is a good thing. But, that's not the kind of fear we're talking about. The fear I'm thinking of is what the Bible is referring to when it records angels saying "fear not".

We're going to look at some of the obstacles that face us in maturing, and how we might overcome them. Hint: Perfect love casts out fear.