Overcoming Fear: A Conversation with Michael Hingson
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Michael Hingson joins the podcast to share his powerful story of resilience and faith in the face of adversity—and even disaster…
Blind since birth, Michael has leaned on his faith, family, and a wide range of strategies to navigate a sighted world. If his name rings a bell, you may already know about Michael’s incredible escape from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, with his guide dog, Roselle.
When the plane struck Tower One of the World Trade Center, Michael and his loyal guide dog, Roselle, found themselves on the 78th floor of the building. Before he knew what had happened, Michael smelled burning jet fuel, and he had a hunch…
With smoke and panic rising, Michael and Roselle began a harrowing descent of 78 flights of stairs. Leaning on his faith, Michael gave Roselle commands in a steady voice; this sense of stability brought comfort to others fleeing with them, descending flight after flight into the clouded, toxic air.
Michael and Roselle got out just in time.
Who do you trust in times of crisis?
You know the moment… when the diagnosis comes. Or you get the news—something has happened to your loved one. Maybe, like Joni, you have an accident, and your body will never be the same. Where do you turn when your world turns upside down?
Michael will tell you that he is grateful for his parents who raised him with a can-do attitude. And he loves the guide dogs who help him make his way through a world built for people who are “light dependent” (Michael’s term). But, as Michael knows from experience, faith in God lays the foundation for everything from surviving to thriving in hard times. And faith also provides the key to overcoming fear, one of the biggest obstacles to trusting God.
What are you afraid of right now?
Fear is a universal human experience, but too often we feel alone in the things that scare us most. So take a moment, right now, to allow your biggest fear to come to mind. No matter how ugly, dark, or daunting, allow the fear to come forward—look straight at it. Because God is with you, closer than the air you breathe, and he can help you face what scares you most.
If this seems too hard, or if your heart races, your stomach turns, and you just want to flee, pause for a second. Take a breath. And invite God in through his Word. Ask his Spirit to meet you as you read these two Old Testament Scriptures, which promise God’s presence as the ultimate antidote to fear:
Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Moving Past Fear, Toward Serving Others
Leaning on God’s promise to be with you, never leaving nor forsaking you, the path ahead emerges. And your next steps will come clear as you follow Jesus, out of fear and toward the freedom of loving and serving others.
Just as Michael has used his story to provide hope and help to others, you can step into God’s call to all who trust him: love others as yourself. One way to do this is by looking out for those around you in need of help. Take a moment to answer these questions:
- Do you know which of your neighbors have disabilities and might need assistance in a disaster?
- Does your church have a plan to watch out for vulnerable people in the congregation in a time of crisis?
- When a crisis or natural disaster hits your community, how can you and your family look out for those with disabilities?
Tune in to hear more of Michael’s message, and let his experience and wisdom offer you courage and hope as you move past fear toward trusting God and serving others.
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To hear more inspiring conversations about God’s grace bringing hope through hardship, subscribe to the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast today!
