Great authors, philosophers, sports figures, political leaders, businessmen, and other role models tell us that the secret of success is to: “Believe in yourself.”

But on our personal gridiron of endeavors, bones shatter like pottery, and we remain courageous only if we hold fast to a sense of purpose. Watch our resolve fade in misty-eyed dread as we lay on our deathbeds. Old age sucks the marrow from a man’s youth, and the one who believes in himself finds “self” utterly alone at the moment of his passing.

At nearly 60 years old, I crave a Mentor to help me navigate the next 30 years (hopefully that long). I have peeled back the layers of my self-sufficiency to confront the future and final dark loneliness—and shivered. I am NOT prepared to explore the next world alone, so I open my mind and heart to a Guide more tangible than flesh and bone.

Amid the ecstasies and horrors of life, the Spirit of Christ has taken control of my soul. Now my Mentor and Advisor, Jesus, reassures me: “…Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:20b)

Believing in Him is such sweet relief.

RD