Fiery = Scary?

When I was in Primary school, my classmates were really afraid of calling my home because they were afraid that my mum would answer and they'd have to exchange a couple of words with her. They were scared of her. Sure, she looks cold when she doesn't smile, her words can be rather sharp(even in short phrases) and her stare is deadly, like a viper's, BUT she's not all that bad. My friends didn't know that of course, they just naturally assumed the worst from what they saw on a day to day basis.

Back home, my family members (uncles, aunts, grandmother) all feel that my mother is the dragon empress of the house - she doesn't back down easily, forcefully defends her family whether they're right or wrong, isn't afraid to speak her mind and she never shies away from a confrontation. Now that I'm a mum and wife myself, and am old enough to differentiate right from wrong, my family members are starting to whisper behind my back that I am becoming like her. What's wrong with that though? One should always have the courage to stand up to those who bully them and/or their loved ones, regardless of who the bullies are. When you are right and have justice on your side, nothing can beat you down as long as you stand firm.

I've been told I'm fiery. I admit I can be fiery and biting with my words. I'm not a physically strong and active person and thus, words are the only weapons I have. The Pen is Mightier than the Sword. Fortunately for me, I have been blessed with the gift of words. I always know just the right word(s) to use to cut someone down succinctly and to the point, and to use them for good as well, for instance, to comfort or assure someone. Some might think that this fiery nature is a bane, but I like to think of it as a positive trait. When used right, I can definitely be sure that I will never ever be trodden on or bullied by ANYONE, and I can also be certain that my family won't be either.

But does fiery necessarily equate to being scary? I feel that only the ones who don't have the courage to face up to their nemesis or any truths in their lives would find that a fiery person is scary. These people fearful of being exposed of their hidden negative traits and all that they probably have been so desperate to keep under wraps.

This fire that burns? I'm sure as hell keeping it, because the way I see it, the world is full of bullshitters and hypocrites who would go out of their way to bring gloom and discord into others' lives and I'm gonna breathe fire on them until they burn to a crisp.