A Plane Ride
“Oh dear Lord, we’re all gonna die!”
I think this terrible declaration to myself over and over again as the plane jostles us about on air pockets of Satan’s breath.
How on earth are we ever going to survive?
We aren’t. I just know it. I look forward three rows and see a 500 pound man being tossed about, a rag doll in toddler’s hands. I take a deep breath to try to calm my nervous system, which is being wrenched apart fiber by neuronal fiber. I try to remember what the pastor back home taught me to do whenever I felt panic setting in. “Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done.” I whisper the ancient prayer under my breath.
Thy will. Thy will. Is this thy will? That all of us crash in a jumbo plane together? If this is your will God, then I do not believe you exist. You do not exist God! I just don’t believe in you anymore. How could you let us go down? Wait a minute.
I must still believe you exist if I am still talking to you, telling you that you don’t. “Our father who art in heaven….” I finish the prayer. I repeat the prayer. I repeat the prayer 17 more times until the turbulence stops and we land safely.
Questions
This vivid memory of flying to my grandparent’s house for Spring Break resurfaces often. Partially because I sometimes wish that I did not believe in God. Partially because I am frustrated that I cannot prove God’s existance.
There are times when we question the existence of God. There are even entire years when we might deny God is real. Perhaps it is vain to attempt to convince anyone to have faith in God. But this, in fact, is not my purpose. Rather, I write to encourage you whatever your state of belief or disbelief. We all need encouragement. Every soul’s journey on earth is fraught with terrible trials.
From time to time, it is helpful to read, in black and white, reasons to believe:
Reasons
Reason 1. Innate Need- Our souls crave a relationship with God. This becomes most acute during times of major life transition. There is a “spark of the divine” in each being and we are inherently drawn to it within others and ourselves.
Reason 2. Hope- While suffering befalls us each, we can still make a positive and meaningful difference in the world which gives hope.
Reason 3. Beauty- The soul’s recognition of divine incarnation through creative and natural expression in all its various forms is a splendid and moving thing.
Reason 4. Connectedness- Belonging to something greater than ourselves is a joy. Knowing that we are not alone is a wonder that can drive us out of everyday ruts and deep pits of despair.
Reason 5. Synchronicity- We all long for assurance, a confirmation that we are on the right path. In relationship with God our eyes begin to open to moments colliding all around us which guide and affirm our spiritual journey.
Reason 6. Comfort- Life is difficult. We get hurt, become sick, lose loved ones, and encounter grave disappointments. In times such as these, the comfort of faith in God gives us a greater purpose.
Reason 7. Guidance- When there is a decision to be made or a turning point to be faced, a relationship with God and a faith community can lead us in a more wise and meaningful direction than we might otherwise devise on our own.
Application:
L1 & L2: Write your spiritual autobiography and chart synchronicities
L3: Write your own list of reasons to believe in God and find a way to share at least one of those reasons with someone.
( not sure which level you are? should you be working on applications for an L1 or L3? Click on the Start Here page to figure out your current level )
May the road rise up to meet y’all!
Rev.Wren Clanton
RevWren 