I attached this image to a draft post a couple of months ago – then never finished the post. Last night I looked at it again, and today you get the picture but not the words that went with it.

That is because the words really had nothing to do with the graphic. I have no idea what was going through my mind, but they had nothing to do with either public speaking or death.

Public speaking has never been a source of fear for me. I attribute that to having grown up in the church. From an early age I was in front of people, speaking or singing in church pageants and choirs. Church audiences are very forgiving, so I never developed any phobias.

I’m not sure what the biggest crowd I’ve spoken to has been. Five thousand at least back when I was MC at some concerts during my radio career. I may have spoken to bigger crowds, but it doesn’t count when you are on radio and can’t see each other.

So much for number one. Not a fear – though I understand how it can be for people who have limited public speaking experience. If you are one of those, my telling you to relax won’t make you feel any less nervous.

As for fear number two, why should anyone be afraid of death? It isn’t something we can avoid, so why not face up to it? We’re all going to die at some point, I think the science is pretty solid on that.

I can see having concerns about what happens after death, but if you read the Bible you can pick up enough information to ease your mind in that regard. That is, of course, if you decide to become a Jesus follower.

If you don’t, then I can see your fear of death being understandable.

I suspect that most people, believers or not, are not really afraid of death. They are more afraid of the process of dying. We all want to die painlessly – and we know that doesn’t always happen. My guess is the fear is more one of pain than death.

Does that sound like a reasonable interpretation to you?

I’ve known people who were afraid of dogs. Or clowns. Or flying. There are so many things we can be afraid of. Sometimes those fears are rational, sometimes not.

What are your fears? Do public speaking or death make the list? Or is writing in the comment box your biggest fear?