Words From The Warden

In December 1983, Canadian singer Anne Murray released “A Little Good News Today,” a song that lamented the troubling events happening across the globe. The chorus ends with her heartfelt plea: “We sure could use a little good news today.” Listening to that song now, it’s striking how relevant its message remains. The way we respond to anger, loss, and fear determines our future. Fortunately, we are blessed with the power of choice—in sports, leadership, and faith. We can choose to give up and live in fear, or we can choose to trust God’s promise: “Be not afraid, for I am with you.”

When I was in third grade, I began having a recurring nightmare in which, upon entering the classroom or boarding the bus, my clothes would suddenly disappear. Although this scenario never happened in real life, the fear it caused was genuine. The nightmares persisted until I reached sixth grade, after which they ceased and never returned.

During my time as an Adult Probation Officer, I was assigned to interview a convicted murderer named James in a segregated cell of the 150-year-old Wood County jail. The cell contained only two steel chairs and a small steel table between us, with no security cameras in the room. At one point, James abruptly stood and leaned menacingly across the table, declaring, “I could kill you right now.” I calmly stood and leaned toward him, nose to nose, replying, “Maybe so, but what good will it do you? You’re already in jail.” He smiled and admitted, “Good point.” The interview concluded without incident. He returned to his cell and I went home— (humorously recounting) to change my shorts.

Skier Lindsey Vonn earned a spot on the US Olympic team through intense orthopedic care and rigorous training, only to suffer another “career-ending” injury before arriving in Italy. Despite the setback and the daunting challenge of competing at such a high level, she chose to participate. Many might have been paralyzed by fear, but Lindsey decided to do her best regardless of the risks. She competed without success, but with a full heart.

At age 56 in 2012, I was fired for the first time in my life. I held a “good job” with salary and benefits, working under a boss with an admirable public persona but a value system that harmed staff and programs. After confronting him about his selective enforcement of rules and calling out behavior detrimental to others, I was dismissed. He had every right to fire me, as I had made him uncomfortable. Faced with uncertainty (and fear), Father Applegate helped me regain my footing, and I began working for myself.

Psalm 84 teaches that God cares for even the smallest and most fragile of His creations; even the sparrow receives His love and protection. If God cares for the sparrow, why wouldn’t He care for us? Fear leads to withdrawal and extinguishes our “spark.” It overtakes me when I rely solely on myself. Fear manifests in various ways: what might happen, what has happened and was handled poorly, imagined scenarios, and real threats. Fear can strike at any stage of life and instantly destroy joy.

Fear asks, “What if?” while joy responds, “Even with.” Fear comes from scarcity, while joy springs from abundance. The Bible’s most frequent instruction is not to be afraid. God reminds us repeatedly to live fully and joyfully. “Do not be afraid.” Choose joy over fear and embrace a little good news today.

Peace,
Henry Zaborniak, Senior Warden