Afraid, Not!
Isaiah 41:10
“Afraid, Not!” is episode #261 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written by Paul McCusker, and originally aired on February 26, 1994.
Summary
A bully makes young Danny Schmidt afraid of walking to school.
Plot
Danny Schmidt does not want to go to school today — or any other day, for that matter. He puts up a huge fuss, but his parents inform him that he is going. Danny reluctantly rises, gets dressed, and leaves.
Later, at school, Danny’s teacher, Mr. Richards, dismisses the class for recess — everyone except for Danny. Mr. Richards wants to know why Danny is wearing sunglasses. Danny hems and haws and finally reveals that the glasses are covering up an enormous bruise. Danny is sent to the nurse, and his mother is called. Finally, everyone gets to the root of the problem: Danny is being chased and beaten up by a female bully.
That part of the problem is solved quickly, thanks to a phone call from the Odyssey police to the girl’s parents. Unfortunately, Danny’s fear of walking to school continues — to the point where he almost has a heart attack when Whit runs into him on the way home from school. Danny explains his problem to Whit. He offers a wonderful solution: memorizing a scripture verse.
Danny feels better. The next morning, he has an opportunity to try out his new “weapon.” Rusty Gordon tries to bully him out of his lunch money, and Danny fairly shouts the verse at Rusty. Rusty cowers and runs in the face of the Word — providing Danny with proof about where the source of true courage lies.
- This plot section is too short and should be expanded. »
Discussion Questions
- Why didn’t Danny want to tell anyone what happened to him?
- Why was Danny so afraid, even after the police had taken care of everything?
- Where does real courage come from?
Cast
Notes
VERSION DIFFERENCE: [view] The broadcast version of this episode included a “Fun Fact” about Officer David Harley.
- Trivia
- This episode features an excessive use of music from #155: “Waylaid in the Windy City, Part 1”.
Parental Note: You may want to discuss with your children whether Danny's parents responded correctly to the situation. There is a question of whether the parents were too harsh and overbearing in threatening punishment, and in their language in response to a bully situation.
Quotes
Mr. Richards: Danny, what happened to your eye!?
Danny Schmidt: I told you I had an eye problem.
Steven Schmidt: Danny, you have to go to school.
Danny Schmidt: Why?
Steven Schmidt: Because you need your education, in order to get a good job, so you can take care of your parents in their old age! Out of bed.
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