Most of us have probably heard the phrase “knowledge is power”. If this is true, then it follows that ignorance is weakness. At 1Africa, while we are all about celebrating the creativity and energy coming out of our beautiful continent, we talk about serious matters too.

Ebola is the big headline currently. Once viewed as “Africa’s problem”, it is being taken more seriously now, particularly since it has become a very real threat in places like Europe and the US. For all intents and purposes, Ebola is now a global threat.

If you’re reading this and haven’t quite gotten your head around what Ebola is, here, courtesy of the BBC, is a short video that explains in about a minute what the virus is all about.

In moments like these, fear has the potential to grip us all and make us paranoid. Yes, it is important – especially if we are in affected or at-risk regions – to take precautions and do all we can to protect ourselves. But we must not be paralyzed by fear because fear cripples.

There is so much to be afraid of in the world. The list just never ends! If it’s not terrorists, it’s deadly viruses. If it’s not natural disaster, it’s the fear that your friendly next door neighbour might not be who he says he is. In a world full of so much fear, Jesus Christ had the boldness to say these words: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Where do you turn to when you are afraid?