And now, This I Believe, a series of living philosophies presented in the hope they may help to strengthen and enrich your life. Here is Edward R. Murrow.

This I Believe. Doris E. Almy is a teacher, poet and a furiously active and useful member of her community. She is public relations director of the Massachusetts Teachers’ Federation. The time left over from that she devotes to such groups as the League of Women Voters, the Safety Council and the Boston Publicity Club. This is Doris Almy’s creed.

I lean forward and re-read the motto above my friend’s desk. It read: “Afraid? Afraid of what?” I was afraid of everything—horribly so—but I didn’t know why. I read on: “What has Earth to show compared

with God’s omnipotence? Make Him your staff; it will not bend.” I knew from that moment that I must learn not to be afraid, that I must believe in myself, and to trust in the eternal. It was not easy: to reestablish faith in God and oneself never is. There are many creeds and dogmas which make this complex world, but I have learned to believe in one God, one mind which makes all fears groundless.

So first of all I believe in myself as a child of God, capable of finding that each day is another opportunity to reflect Him; that I can look up, laugh and live. I believe that I live in a friendly world, but that in order to have friends I must be one. I must put into practice the second great law laid down by Jesus: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Again I believe in the youth of our land, whose fearless courage is both stimulating and inspiring. I believe that they are a true reflection of the principles and teachings of America’s great heritage: the free public school. Because I believe that these young people have a right to expect to take their place in this complex world, free from all fear, I have dedicated myself to fight for the protection of this inalienable right, that I can and shall find real happiness in that service. I believe that in order to do this, one can never be too busy to be kind. Extending a warm hand of fellowship from an understanding heart to those who share the passage of this orbit with us.

I believe in people. I don’t know why, but I like to be with and to watch people. I believe that I owe

so much to others that I am rich because of the understanding and genuine help of friends. I believe that because of this wealth, I can think and choose and rejoice in the work that has been given me to do, that I can raise my thoughts above daily trifles, to enjoy the beauty about me, and to realize that harmony is universal and discord is unreal.

I believe that there are lessons to be learned from the majesty of the hills, the blueness of the rivers and lakes, the sunset with its crescent moon and evening star, the seagulls’ cry along the shore and the fragrance of arbutus in a fern-filled glen. I believe in that rising star which led the wise men to the Bethlehem babe, and the glorified Christ of that first Easter morn. And that in following

His example there is salvation for all. Because I believe, I am no longer afraid. Because I have changed my staff, I can ask, “Afraid? Afraid of what?” And comes the answer: “God is omnipotent.”

That was Doris E. Almy of Boston, Massachusetts, a thoughtful teacher, an author, an energetic citizen.