by Cheryl Botkins, LPC, MSCC, NCC
What are some of the superstitions or mantras you hear or follow?
· Don’t walk under a ladder or open an umbrella inside, it’s bad luck.
· Break a mirror and you have 7 years of misfortune.
· Find a penny heads up, good luck.
· You spy a falling star, make a wish.
· Ears itching? Someone is talking about you.
· Wear the exact same socks for every game, and don’t wash them! (Not helpful for the KC Chiefs for a three-peat, just sayin’.)
These all can be fun or funny to help lighten the mood. They can also create bondage if we find these as beliefs and they leave holes in our system of thinking or belief. Check your belief and thoughts. Gain knowledge to grow in healthy ways! This is what Saint Patrick did.
Some history of the ‘luck of the Irish’ goes WAY back to pre-Christian times of culture, superstitions, and folklore and then again in America during gold rush days when many Irish were literally striking gold. Lucky!?! History also tells us Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland and began challenging the ways of the culture and helping people move from superstitions and folklore to God through Jesus Christ. Saint Patrick's death date of March 17, 461 began the religious holiday (the origin of St. Patrick’s Day) in remembrance of the efforts toward the freedom in Christ over luck. It has evolved into the cultural celebration today originally brought by Irish immigrants to America back in the day to share Christian celebration in Irish culture. Google research and AI will give you many more details to the history.
Overall, the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day should actually move us to hope in Jesus Christ over luck or happenstance. This was its original purpose. “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19) We don’t need to follow folklore, superstitions, or mantra unrelated to Christ, but instead know that like Saint Patrick, God supersedes these in caring for us and bringing us hope. And, like Saint Patrick, use this day and the days before you as a Christ follower to “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)
Personally, take some time to reflect on where you might be too focused on luck or false gods to help you instead of turning to Christ. It might look like a substance, a behavior, or anxiety. Our counselors want you to find freedom from false or temporary means of relief. Our desires are to help you find the same freedom Saint Patrick shared about many years ago! Have a parade and wear your green to celebrate Jesus in your life!
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