Even the Òrìsà Were Afraid

Palm tree swelling in the middle of the road 
Is responsible when it is cut down 
Cast divination for Orunmila 
Venturing to a disastrous town 
Ogun ventured 
But ran back home 
Orisa ventured
But ran back home
Osun ventured 
But returned home quickly
Sango ventured 
But returned home quickly 
All Irunmole ventured 
But turned around quickly 
We asked: What made them afraid?
Death made an impressive fire 
Disease made an expensive blaze 
Loss made a sorrowful flame 
Orunmila was asked to offer a calabash of honey
Orunmila reached the gate of heaven 
The gatekeeper sought to scare him back 
Orunmila poured honey for him to taste
He tasted it and realized it was sweet
He gave some to death, sickness and loss 
They permitted someone who owned honey to enter the gate 
Orunmila went into a disastrous town
He returned with many good things
- Holy Odu IreteIrosun

When disaster strikes, even the mighty will run for cover.  And that fact can be more troubling than the actual calamity. Imagine how the disciples of each òrìsà must have felt upon seeing their leader overcome by fear at the moment of their greatest need.  If you've ever seen fear in the eyes of someone you admire and respect, then you know what I'm talking about. Hopelessness creeps in. Doubt permeates the atmosphere. Surrender seems to be the only solution.

It is precisely at those times, when fear reaches its apex, that you will benefit from seeking wisdom. As counter-intuitive as it may seem, results are gained by taking advantage of opportunities, not by solving problems. In the verse above, Orunmila's sacrifice allowed him to turn a problem into an opportunity. By doing so, he was able to move beyond fear and become increasingly prosperous.