Do Not Be Afraid

I was reading another blog ( http://sallysjourney.typepad.com/sallys_journey/ - well worth a visit) and the words "Do not be Afraid" jumped out at me and almost immediately gave me the form for this poem.  However it wasn't complete as I couldn't work out where the poem was going and how to get it to a conclusion.  Slowly the words sank in and I knew it was taking me to areas I'd rather avoid.

DO NOT BE AFRAID

“Do not be afraid” said the Lord

To the traveller with no land

“Do not be afraid” said the Lord

To the young mother

Cast out for having her owner's son

“Do not be afraid” said the Lord

To the young man

Threshing wheat in a winepress

So the enemies wouldn’t see him

“Do not be afraid” said the Lord

To the prophet invited to meet the despot

“Do not be afraid” said the angel in all her glory

To the startled young woman

“Do not be afraid” said the angel

In the dream of the young man

Puzzling over his beloved’s betrayal

“Do not be afraid” said the angel

To the startled shepherds on the hillside

“Do not be afraid, little flock,” said Jesus,

“for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom”

“Do not be afraid” said the angel

To the women whose love drove them to the tomb of their Lord

“Do not be afraid” said Jesus

To the women puzzled by the angel’s news

“Do not be afraid” said the Lamb in all His glory

To the disciple exiled for his faith

“Do not be afraid”

But I am

Afraid to let go

The things of this world

Afraid to let go

And trust only you

Afraid

Because my faith is weak

Lord, I believe;

Help thou mine unbelief.