Fight, Flight, or Follow

Alan Masters from Perilous World Radio, joined by Brian Boteller, engages in a thought-provoking discussion centered around fear. While Roosevelt famously asserted that "the only thing to fear is fear itself," Alan presents a differing viewpoint. He highlights the Bible’s complex perspectives on fear, noting that while “perfect love casts out all fear,” it also states that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” They explore fear as a natural emotional response, triggered by perceived threats, primarily through the amygdala which activates the fight-or-flight response, resulting in physical changes like increased heart rate and muscle tension. Different types of fear are touched upon, including rational fear, which relates to immediate danger, and anticipatory fear, which involves worries about the future. As their conversation unfolds, they delve into various topics, from atheism to the pursuit of truth, eventually transitioning to a segment with Colonel Tony Monaco of Patriot Outreach.

In a recent segment of Patriot Outreach, retired Major Laird “Chap” Thompson discussed the mental health challenges faced by First Responders. While the average person experiences 3-5 traumatic incidents in a lifetime, First Responders face between 188 and over 1,000, leading to 34% suffering from depression and PTSD, and 37% contemplating suicide. Chap provided key statistics: there are about 800,000 law enforcement officers, 1.2 million firefighters (with 52% being volunteers), and 1.04 million EMS personnel in the U.S. Additionally, around 1,500 First Responders have taken their own lives since 2018, along with over 400,000 documented injuries.To support these individuals, Chap suggests creating non-profits like MO First Responder Support, organizing fundraisers, lobbying for government grants, and hosting appreciation events. For more information and to get involved, visit MOFRS.ORG.