From Superstition to Surrender
From Superstition to Surrender: My Journey as a Panthers Fan
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a Carolina Panthers fan. Like most diehard fans, I had my game day routines—certain clothes, a specific seat on the couch, even making sure my drink was in the “right” spot. I convinced myself these little rituals somehow helped the team. If I skipped them, I felt uneasy, like I was letting the Panthers down.
At first, it all seemed harmless. Superstitions are just part of sports, right? But as my faith grew, I started to realize something was off. I’d pray for the team and the players’ safety, but I was still clinging to rituals that made me feel in control. There was a disconnect between what I believed about God’s sovereignty and how I acted on Sundays.
The turning point came when I had to admit to myself: I have no control over the outcome of the game. No matter how tightly I held onto my routines, the scoreboard was never in my hands. That truth hit hard, but it was freeing.
So, I started doing something different. Whenever I felt the urge to fall back on a superstition—like needing my drink a certain way or in a certain location—I’d deliberately do the opposite. If I wanted to wear a “lucky” shirt, I’d pick another. If I felt the need to sit in my “winning” spot, I’d move to a different chair. It was my way of reminding myself that my faith is in God, not in rituals or routines.
Letting go of superstition wasn’t just about breaking habits. It was about surrender—acknowledging that God is in control, not me. It was about trading anxiety for trust and superstition for prayer. Now, instead of worrying about what I’m wearing or where my drink is, I focus on praying for the players, the coaches, and everyone involved in the game. I ask for safety, good sportsmanship, and the ability to enjoy the game for what it is—a gift.
If you’re a fan who’s wrestled with similar habits, I get it. The urge to control, even in small ways, is strong. But there’s real freedom in surrender. Letting go of superstition doesn’t make you less of a fan—it just puts your trust in the right place.
So next game day, if you catch yourself reaching for that “lucky” jersey or eyeing your favorite spot on the couch, try doing the opposite. Use the moment as a reminder: God’s got this, win or lose.
Keep praying. Keep pounding. And remember—our faith is bigger than football.
