One of my all-time favorite shows is Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! You probably remember how every episode would play out. The gang would stumble upon a spooky mystery, with some “monster” or “ghost” causing trouble. By the end of the show, they’d always uncover the real villain, who was just a regular person in disguise, who got outmatched by “those meddling kids!”

In October, we’re like the Scooby-Doo villains with masks and costumes popping up everywhere. We dress up for Halloween, getting to be someone else for a night. But in truth, we often do this too, before and after Halloween. We put on a “public face” to hide our fears, doubts, or struggles. On the outside, we might seem fine, but inside, we're like Shaggy and Scooby, scared or uncertain.

Each Halloween, we’re reminded that the things we fear often appear bigger and scarier than they really are. But when we look past the mask and face what's underneath, we often discover it's not as intimidating as we first thought.

And just like the gang in the Mystery Machine, we're not meant to face the unknown alone; we're meant to live life together with purpose, connection, and joy. Real community helps us uncover that purpose. It's like the Scooby-Doo gang - Velma, Fred, Daphne, Shaggy, and Scooby. Each had their own part, and together they solved the mystery. On their own, they were unsure, but together they were invincible.

When we name and unmask our fears, most of the time, fear is just False Evidence Appearing Real. When we bring it out into the open with God and others, its power fades away. That’s why church is important – it’s a place where we can be real and walk with people who genuinely care about us. Whether it's through a support group, ministry team, or just a casual conversation over coffee, we become stronger when we face life’s challenges together.

As you see masks and costumes this October, remember this: Life can be scary, but you're not alone. God is with you, and no fear is greater than His love.

This month, don't just wear a mask for fun – take off the hidden masks you use to cover your fear and let God’s love bring healing and courage. And if you happen to spot a talking Great Dane in a van, give him a Scooby snack for me.

At the Intersection

Quincy D. Brown