There is no fear in love,
but perfect love casts out fear.
—1 John 4.18
I bathe in the river of your love.
It washes away all fear
of being judged, inadequate or punished.
I let your river flow through me,
not my love but yours,
flowing to all the world, even the unlovable.
In your love I am not afraid
to love, to risk,
to be carried away by the river.
In love I will coerce no one
or make them afraid,
but only set them free.
Give we wisdom to notice
when I am afraid
and to choose love instead.
In your perfect love I am not afraid.
I am grateful.
I am free.
—April 24, 2018