Fear of Redemption

"In his modest divine comedy, The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis portrays this fear of renunciation. The spectral souls who are met by the Solid People at the entrance to heaven can only journey toward God if they will give up their doubts, vices, and shame. In Lewis’ account, few do, and the reason is simple. They cannot imagine being themselves without the very qualities of soul that alienate them from God. As the hissing lizard of lust warns the frightened man in a scene that echoes Augustine’s hesitations, “[Without me] how could you live?” It is difficult to trust the Christian promise that undergoing such change will bring new life and not death—will stretch us but not shatter us. "  from "Fear of Redemption" by R.R. Reno.

I think I understand that fear.  Don't many of us cling to our doubts, vices and shame because we fear...what?  Being shattered?  Are we afraid of change because where we are now is more comfortable, even if it's miserable, because it's familiar?  Because it defines who we are now?  Can we let that go and trust we will stretch but not shatter?  O Lord, make haste to help us.