My grandchild,
I saw you
the other day
cower…

No, no.
That won’t happen again.
Never!

Do not fret
over people
who mistreat you.

Do not be afraid
to speak up.
No one will hurt you
for being honest and true,
for living boldly.

Do not be afraid.
The challenges you face
are temporary.
Think about
what frightened you last month…
where is it now?
You are still here,
aren’t you?
You are still standing,
aren’t you?

The mind will tell you stories
how this will go wrong,
and how that will fall apart…
but notice something:
the things you were terrified of
never actually happened.

You see,
the mind imagines.
It exaggerates like a clown
without humor.
It paints shadows like a artist
without a job.

So, my dear,
don’t let imagined things
freak you out.
You have power,
love,
and a sound mind.

Enjoy this minute.
Enjoy this day.
And if things turn out
differently than you expected,
take a breath… adjust…
and move on.

It is okay.
These things don’t last.

Your job… your boss…
it is just a job.
It is not worth your peace.
Fear is not worth your peace either.

Do what you need to do
— you can make it.
Look at me… I made it
Through the roughest times in life.

And as for a man… or a woman… really?
Don’t let anyone make you shrink.
You have choices. .. remember that!
And, you are free
to make them.

When fear tries to rise,
Do this…
bend your knees
and look up.

You are not alone
in this walk.
No way!
The Lord
is with you
all the time.

And, remember this
Pause and listen…
I have always loved you.
And I always will.

— Grandpa

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Author Bio
Dr. Ivan Edwards is a man who is comfortable wearing a few hats in life. A polymath, he is an ordained non-denominational minister, a medical doctor, a USAF flight surgeon (at the rank of Colonel), an entrepreneur and CEO, and a writer-poet.

His work explores healing, restoration, resilience, identity, and the strength of the human spirit shaped by faith.

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