Why are you still afraid?
Have you no faith?
Mark 4:40

"A cartoon by Betty Woods shows two eagles flying high. One is struggling to keep on flying with a full tree trunk in its claws. The companion is calling 'You've got to learn to let go.'

"We can create problems by trying to exercise too much control. Do I, perhaps, over-control my inner responses so that neither I not others can know what I feel? Do I try to control my spouse, my children, my friends, my boss or employees? Or do I excel at controlling events, planning everything in such minute detail that nothing can go wrong — except that no one enjoys the experience because they feel choked by my planning?

We control because we are afraid. We are trying to avoid being hurt or rejected if we ask directly for what we want or need. We are afraid of being seen as less than perfect and therefore not lovable. Jesus tells us to let go, to turn our fears over to him and to live more freely. This is what faith is all about.

"Think about the controls and fears from which Jesus wants to release you. Today is the day to watch for them in yourself, to be aware of what keeps you from living more joyfully. Today is a day to let go.

"Lie down on the floor and hold your arms out spread-eagle to express your vulnerability and desire not to control.

"For Your Day: Teach me to let go and trust in you."