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Nothing to Fear

Album: Gold Audio 01: The Adventure Begins

Episode: 10

Lesson/Theme: Dealing with fear.

Bible Verse: 1 John 4:18

Characters: Connie, Whit

Writer: Paul McCusker

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: January 23, 1988

Last Air Date: February 15, 2008

Description:
Shirley is afraid of everything. When we first meet her, she is screaming at the top of her lungs at the sight of Jake's pet mouse, Luther. Whit notes Shirley's problem and tells her that Jesus' perfect love can cast out her fear. Whit suggests that most fears are really inside our heads. He coaxes Shirley into holding Luther just so she'll know that there is no reason to be afraid. All is well for a few seconds-then Luther moves. Shirley screams again and drops him, sending Luther scurrying off into the cracks and crevices of Whit's End. This doesn't sit well with Jake, and he concocts a plan to teach Shirley a lesson about fear. With the help of his friend Danny, Jake sets the plan: He'll lure Shirley down to the basement of Whit's End, where he's rigged up some boxes to fall on her. Danny's job is to turn out the lights once they're down there and then distract Connie, who is working upstairs. Whit is at a meeting. Shirley comes in, and Jake puts his plan into action. Down in the basement, Shirley is frightened. Jake laughs, especially when the lights go out. But when he tries to take Shirley back upstairs, he trips over his own booby trap and ends up spraining his ankle. They yell for help, but Danny is doing his job so well that no one hears them. Jake can't walk, so it's up to Shirley to face her fears and go for help. She remembers Whit's words about fear and turns to God for strength. Shirley sets her mind on Jesus, and her fear disappears. Jake is rescued, and all learn a valuable lesson about the power of Jesus' perfect love.

Questions:
Why do you think Shirley was so afraid of everything? Why was Jake wrong for wanting to teach Shirley a lesson? What makes you scared? How do you deal with your fears?