It's Friday the 13th. A day of superstition and fear. Wiki tells us that, according to the Stress Management Center and the Phobia Institute in Asheville, NC, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the US are affected by the fear of this day. Some people are so paralyzed by this day that they avoid going to work, taking flights, and some refuse to get out of bed.

I had all but forgotten about how much superstition still dictates our behavior, as it is associated with the number 13. But, come to think of it, I do not suppose I've seen any of the newer hotels I stay in across the country with thirteenth floors. Frankly, I do not ever remember being personally paralyzed by things like this.

But, mind you, I've lived much of my life with other fears...

The fear of your opinion of me and that of virtually everyone else; the fear of failure...of not making it...of not being popular...or successful...or of achieving the recognition that, in spite of my spiritual awareness, the ego in me still craves; the fear of not having enough, and the fear associated with some diabolical illness or cancer...or, the fear of dying itself. 

These fears have made me do all kinds of strange things over the years. The fear of everyone's opinion of me has made a liar of me. I've not expressed my opinions or beliefs or doubts for fear someone would judge me. I know many minister's today who secretly agree with the freedom they hear me express with my beliefs today. But, because of their own fear of losing their position or status in the congregation, or even losing their job, they keep silent, play the game, live the lie. I understand this. I did the same for years.

My fear of not succeeding...not achieving greatness causes me to fret over every business decision I make, to live daily with this haunting awareness that time is running out - I'm 56 and haven't quite made it. Oh, how the ego loves to dog you daily, reminding you that you haven't quite made it. Every success is short-lived. No sooner do you feel you've achieved something significant, someone else gets a little more recognition for their accomplishments and the madness in you starts all over.

Well, you get the picture. Some of you read my musings and you think, "Wow, he's so advanced...so spiritual...so free." If you only knew. What's worse, the ego in you follows your admiration of me with self-recriminating put downs, "You'll never make it. Look at you. A spiritual flop, you are."

We all have our fears...our superstitions. Here's what you need to remember. Saint Paul said, "Perfect Love casts out fear." I've read that for years and have mistakenly thought that the Love he was talking about was beyond me, outside of me, only in God, somewhere but anywhere than in me. When I awakened, however, I realized I AM that Love. And, so are you. So, today, be mindful of your own superstitions...your own fears. You do have them. But, you are Love, too. Give your attention to who you REALLY are. See what happens to the fears.

Blessed Love. You are.