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 The devastating impact of fear on humanity — Part 1

 Fear, a fundamental human emotion, can have a pro­found impact on individ­uals and society as a whole. While fear can serve as a vital survival mechanism, excessive or irrational fear can lead to devastating consequences.

In this article, we will explore the effects of fear on humanity, from personal rela­tionships to global conflicts.

Personal Relationships

Fear can:

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– Create anxiety and stress, leading to mental health issues

– Foster distrust and suspi­cion, damaging relationships

– Lead to avoidance behav­iors, causing social isolation

– Fuel phobias and irratio­nal beliefs, limiting personal growth

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Societal Consequences

Fear can:

– Fuel prejudice and dis­crimination, leading to social unrest

– Create a culture of fear-mongering, manipulating public opinion

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– Lead to authoritarianism, eroding civil liberties

– Spark violent conflicts, causing harm and destruction

Global Impact

Fear can:

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– Drive global conflicts, fueling wars and terrorism

– Create economic instabil­ity, leading to recessions and poverty

– Foster environmental degradation, as fear-driven decisions prioritize short-term gains

– Undermine global cooper­ation, hindering progress on pressing issues

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Breaking the Cycle of Fear

To mitigate the harmful effects of fear, we must:

– Promote education and critical thinking, dispelling irrational fears

– Encourage empathy and understanding, fostering a culture of compassion

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– Support mental health ini­tiatives, addressing fear-driv­en anxiety and trauma

– Foster global cooperation, addressing shared challenges with collective courage

Fear, if left unchecked, can have far-reaching and devastating consequences for humanity. By acknowledging the impact of fear and work­ing to address its root causes, we can create a more com­passionate, equitable, and peaceful world. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in the face of it.

The Psychological Impact of Fear

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Fear can also have a pro­found psychological impact on individuals, leading to:

– Anxiety disorders, such as phobias and PTSD

– Depression and mood disorders

– Sleep disturbances and fatigue

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– Decreased self-esteem and confidence

– Hyper vigilance and an exaggerated startle response

The Physiological Impact of Fear

Chronic fear can also have a significant physiological impact, leading to:

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– Increased heart rate and blood pressure

– Weakened immune system

– Digestive problems and irritable bowel syndrome

– Hormonal imbalances and adrenal fatigue

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– Increased risk of cardio­vascular disease

The Social Impact of Fear

Fear can also have a signif­icant social impact, leading to:

– Social isolation and lone­liness

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– Breakdown of community and social cohesion

– Increased conflict and violence

– Decreased empathy and compassion

– Increased prejudice and discrimination

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Overcoming Fear

To overcome fear, we must:

– Acknowledge and accept our fears

– Challenge negative thoughts and beliefs

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– Develop coping skills and strategies

– Seek support from others

– Practice self-care and self-compassion

Fear is a natural and neces­sary emotion, but excessive or irrational fear can have devastating consequences for individuals and society. By understanding the impact of fear and taking steps to overcome it, we can create a more compassionate, equita­ble, and peaceful world.

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BY ROBERT EKOW GRIMMOND-THOMPSON

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The Prophet part 2

Some young men queing for visas
Some young men queing for visas

“I can see in the spirit, that some of you have been trading for years without seeing any mean­ingful profits, some young women have been disappointed by men who have either abandoned them and left for foreign lands and forgotten about them, or stopped sending money for the upkeep of their wives and children.

I can see young men who are desperate for visas to travel abroad but have either been duped by visa contractors or refused at the embas­sies. From tomorrow, I assure you, the visas will be given.

Young women, I have news for you. You will receive telephone calls, and you will hear very good news. Handsome young men with money in their pockets will come and marry you, and take care of you. Traders, you will get big business and big profits from today. From today, you will see that I am a true prophet who has come to deliver you.”

Shouts of “Amen,” “thank you Prophet” and “I receive it” greeted his sermon. After a final prayer, he asked the congregation to come early the following day, and bring others, because there would be many testimonies.

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There would also be “special anointing” for great miracles. Although he did not ask for an offering, most of the people came and dropped notes, and coins at the “pulpit.” When they left, Antobam counted the money.

“GH¢900!” he almost shouted, ‘and I did not even ask for an offer­ing. This is fantabulous!’ Going to the Nana Kofi Broni shrine, he told himself, was a very wise move.

He started making plans……He had to choose a few assistants who would carry out his orders……. He had to hire some chairs as soon as possible……He had to find a suit­able piece of land and, if possible, build his own church……. He had to start looking for a nice car, befitting the status of a popular preacher …… And, most importantly, he had to select two, three or four nice, young women to take care of his needs, apart from the servants who would cook, wash, iron and do other errands for him.

Abruptly, he told himself, this hungry, scruffy Kukurantumi boy was being transformed into a man of power and money, with some of the most beautiful women in town at his beck and call. Wow!

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After a shower and supper, he shut the door to the very small room that served as his bedroom and dropped on the bed. Almost immediately, the shrill sounds, like whispers, began.

This time he did not express any fears. He realised to his great sur­prise that even though the sounds were not in the form of any lan­guage, he could understand them.

Tomorrow there will be testimo­nies……they will give money……. some rich people are being prepared …….they will bring big money ………. we will give them what they want, and they will bring money ……. big money …….big, big money……the women will also come, a number of them. ‘

He went to sleep smiling and whis­pering to himself, ‘big, big money, and women!’

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He woke up at 5 and took a shower. After a breakfast of tea and several slices of bread he set off. On reaching the venue he saw to his great surprise that the place was full.

Very full, and quite a number of people rushed to embrace him and give him the wonderful news. The excited people narrated the testi­monies about big sales, telephone calls from relatives directing them to go to Western Union, and impo­tent husbands who had miraculously rediscovered their magic powers.

He was truly glad that Nana Kofi Broni’s magic had already started working, but most of his attention was focused on the ladies in the congregation. He noticed to his great delight that some of them were really nice. I must start mak­ing my selection, he told himself. Today!

“Give a mighty clap offering to the great, mighty one for his won­ders among us!” he started, and the response was very big.

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“I said yesterday that you were going to see signs and wonders, and I am very happy that my word has been fulfilled. Even though we have taken allowed one hour for testimo­nies, many more of you would like to testify.

Tomorrow, I promise you that there will be ample time. I will only preach a short sermon. The rest of the time will be taken up by consul­tations, after which I will give direc­tions on what to do to ensure that you defeat your enemies, secure your marriage and, most important­ly, continue increasing your profits in your business.” His sermon was interspersed with ecstatic shouts of “Amen,” “it is true,” “God bless you” and “I receive it.”

His final word was emphatic; “Big miracles are coming your way. Keep attending church, and don’t forget to give thanks to God.”

By Ekow de Heer

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Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship launches project to transform young lives

• Members of the Full Gospel Businness Fellowship
• Members of the Full Gospel Businness Fellowship

The Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Ghana has launched the Senior High Schools and Colleges Project (SCP) aimed at empowering and transforming the lives of young people.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Mike Ocquaye, the former Speaker of Parliament, emphasised the need to catch them young and train them as the current times were challenging.

He lauded the project, calling on all to support it, saying “In fact, it’s very important to catch them young, train them, lead them, guide them, and men­tor them because the times are indeed rough,” Prof. Ocquaye said.

Mr Ekow Egyir Dadson, the Director, Schools and Colleges Directorate, stated that since its inception in 2018, the SCP had reached over 70 educational institutions with countless testimonies of transformation.

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“We began with the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) Legon, and now in 2024, we have visited 74 schools and impacted the lives of over 100,000 students, some of whom were personally mentored and now have graduated from the universities.”

He explained that the SCP, a vision by FGBMFI Ghana, was a bold outreach pro­gramme designed to call young people to Christ, train and equip them for the future.

He cited testimony-sharing, mentor­ship, career guidance, entrepreneurship and counseling as some of the unique approaches to be used in reaching out to the targeted students.

Mr Emmanuel Baba Mahama, the National President of the FGBMFI Ghana, launched the SCP Manual, which would help the FGBMFI Zonal Family Chapters across Ghana in order to adopt schools and colleges within their catchment areas.

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The Schools and Colleges project is making a great impact; we have had first-hand testimonies from school heads, teachers, and students (mentees) about the SCP. This project has come to stay, Mr Baba Mahama assured.

He, therefore, called for more vol­unteers and partners to help the SCP shape the next generation of leaders and citizens.

Findings by the FGBMFI revealed that Ghana’s senior high schools, colleges, and university students face growing challenges like addictions, indiscipline, poor academic performance, pornogra­phy, homosexuality, broken homes, and a lack of godly guidance.

That had been a concern to many parents and society, “but the FGBMFI believes there is hope to rescue and re­store these young students,” Mr Mahama said. –GNA

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