Others’ words offer me more perspective and solace than my own today.
Our freedom can be measured by the number of things we can walk away from.
(Vernon Howard)
When we walk to the edge of all the light we
have and take the step into the darkness
of the unknown, we must believe that one of two
things will happen. There will be something solid for
us to stand on or we will be taught to fly.
(Frank Outlaw)
But others’ words are not mine. And this question (along with many others, frankly) remains mine, no matter how many voices contribute or clamor.
I’m guessing if I were to do a Biblical search – topical or word-based – I wouldn’t find much content to help me out. My experience of the Text, and the God within it, is that there are fewer answers and even more questions. Trying to utilize Scripture or even my understanding of God to navigate the tougher places in life sounds good, but isn’t nearly the perspective or solace I usually want.
My Spiritual Director tells me that God speaks and interacts differently with each person. For me, she says, God shows up most profoundly when I listen to the voice within; when I trust what I hear deep inside – believing that God is present in such and is calling me to walk – away or forward or into the darkness – in faith in and reliance on my own words, my own voice. I’ve known that to be true before…and…I continue to find it hard to do, hard to believe, hard to trust – me.
I don’t know when it’s time to walk away, but I do know when it’s time to stop typing and start (or hopefully continue) listening. Certainly to Scripture and the words of others – friends, colleagues, mentors, family – but primarily to myself.
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