We all suffer from unexplained fears or phobia's as they are known. Some people have a fear of flying or travelling by boat, whilst others are afraid of small creepy things. Women tend to be afraid of mice, while I am terrified of spiders, big or small, it doesn't make any difference, I still won't go near one. Men in general, seem to be afraid of their wives, which is why we usually do as we are told. Another fear, particularly as we approach summer, is the fear of being stung by a bee or wasp as we enjoy the sunshine in our gardens.

There is a story told of a young boy and his father out for a drive down a quiet country lane. It was a beautiful summer's day, the sun was shining, the birds were singing and the world seemed such a wonderful place. Because it was so warm, his father had all the car windows open and then a large bee flew in. The young lad, who was allergic to bee stings, having been admitted to hospital the last time he was stung, was terrified and screamed at the top of his voice, whilst trying to brush the bee away. His father also tried to shoo the bee out of the car without success, so he stopped the car and tried to catch the bee in his hand. He tried several times but the bee always eluded him, then as it passed by again, he managed to grab the bee, squeezed his hand and the bee stung him. The lad's father opened his hand to reveal the dead bee and pointing to his palm he told his son, "You don't need to be afraid any more, I have taken the sting for you."

As we approach the Festival of Easter, the clear message to us all is that we no longer have to fear death, because Christ has died and is risen again.

The sting has been removed and death is not the end, but a new beginning for us all.

"Drop thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress and let our
ordered lives confess the beauty of thy peace."