One of our family’s all-time favorite movies is the 1985 family adventure film, “The Goonies.” In a classic motivational scene, one of the main characters, and the leader of the “Goonies”, Mikey, encourages the group to press on despite their fears. They have an easy way out of the mess they are in, but it would mean giving up on their dream. If they stay the course, face their fears, and take the riskier route, they just may find the ultimate treasure. Mikey ends his speech with “Goonies never say die!” And of course, the gang stays on the hunt and come out big winners, saving their home and families, in the end.
It is easy to watch a movie and know the right answer is to keep pressing forward. Real life can be different. Real life is scary. Rejection and failure are real. And it gets hard to keep pressing on sometimes. I have always told my kids, “All good things start with being scared.” While that may not be as glamorous or catchy as “never say die”, the meaning behind it is the same. You cannot be brave if you are not scared. You cannot show great courage if anyone would willingly walk down the path ahead of you.
The Good News is that we don’t walk alone! Jesus left Heaven to come as God in human form and walk among us. He came to teach us, to set an example for us, and to die for us as the ultimate sinless sacrifice, all so that we can be at peace with God. That is a gift, not something we earn. The best part is that to experience His friendship, His peace, and His help, all we have to do is ask for it and accept it. It really is that simple!
We often act like faith and fear do not belong together, but in reality, just like fear and courage go together, faith is often born out of our fears. When we realize that we cannot do it on our own, when we recognize that we aren’t and never will be enough, when we accept that we are flawed and imperfect, then we can step out of the sinking boat and walk on water. And even then, when the waves and winds of life distract and terrify us, Jesus is but one call away–ask Him for help, ask Him to save you, ask Him to be near you and to comfort you and to give you peace, and He will do it! He is always there, ready to help, waiting to be asked into your mess. Jesus is our ultimate “never say die” friend, a real-life Goonie if there ever was one!
So when life is scary, when the road is uncertain, when you have nothing left in you to give, remember that because of Jesus, we don’t have to “say die”….we have the gift of peace that is beyond our understanding, the joy of never walking alone, and the hope of eternal life! Hang in there, friends, because you are not alone and a great prize awaits if you just keep pressing forward with Him!
Jesus loves you, and so do I!
Dr. Allison Key
