Photo: Spectrum News 13/Destiny Wiggins)

Fed by misinformation and half-truths, fear pushes us to distrust others, retreat into ourselves, see threats where there are none. Fear convinces us the world is more hostile than it truly is, seeing things through the lens of “Us vs. Them,” cutting us off from the compassion, understanding, and cooperation that can bring us together.

Fear has always been present, from the struggles for independence to civil rights through wars and economic hardships and floods. But what consistently guides us through these challenges are our shared values and principles that remind us of who we are and what we stand for.

At the heart of these values is respect. Fear divides us by making us believe those who think differently are less deserving of understanding. However, respect tells us that every individual deserves dignity. When we lead with respect, we build bridges, not walls.

Our nation’s success has always been built on a collective sense of responsibility. Fear encourages us to retreat, but our values remind us that each of us plays a role in shaping the future. Whether it’s helping a neighbor—as we’ve seen with Hurricane Milton—or contributing to the common good, responsibility calls on us to face our challenges together.

We need ethical courage more than ever. Fear tells us to remain silent, that we invite attack if we speak out, but courage has always been the backbone of American progress. It’s what allowed leaders before us to create a more just society. Today, we must summon that same courage to speak out, defend truth, and act with integrity.

Honesty is essential. Fear thrives on suspicion, but honesty and transparency restore trust in a time of uncertainty. When we are honest with ourselves and each other, we rebuild relationships and strengthen our democracy.

Compassion is our highest virtue. In times of fear, compassion reminds us that we are not alone. Through fires, floods, and struggles, we find the strength to support one another. It heals division and strengthens our shared humanity. When we act compassionately, we don’t isolate; we come together, lift each other up, and work toward the greater good.

American writer and civil rights leader Maya Angelou said, “I think that if we are to be a truly compassionate nation, we must give up the idea that we are more deserving than others. If we do not, we will pay a great price for our selfishness.”

The choice is ours. Will we allow fear to define us, or will we rise to the occasion and reaffirm the values that have carried us through crises before?

The path forward requires courage, compassion, and truth. Let’s choose to fight fear not with outrage, but with the best of who we are.