Living Memento Mori Part 5: Could Waiting on God to Act Directly be a Mistake?
I think most of us have heard one or more versions of what’s been called, The Parable of the Drowning Man. If you’re unfamiliar with it, the story starts with a flood in which a Christian, now on a roof top, refuses several offers of rescue. The Christian tells the would-be rescuers that God has everything under control and not to worry. God said he would rescue him. After turning down the final offer, he drowns in the flood. After his death and arriving in heaven, he asks Jesus what happened and why he didn’t show up. Jesus responds, “I did show up- three times, actually. Twice in a boat and once in a helicopter!”
Most of us chuckle to ourselves when hearing the story. While we get the point and agree with it somewhat, we still think and expect God to act directly in most cases, independent of “natural means.”
Emily DeArdo in her book Living Memento Mori, tells a story in which, as a college student, she was attempting to climb several flights of stairs. While her friends were charging up the steps to reach a viewing platform, Emily’s compromised lung capacity could not be hidden. She couldn’t take another step. A few minutes later, one of Emily’s friends returned to where she had stalled. Seeing her struggle to breathe, he stayed with her as she regained her breath. Then, he carefully and gently picked her up. He carried her up the rest of the stairs, finally arriving at the top so she could enjoy the spectacular view.
The fifth station of the cross portrays Simon being compelled to help Jesus carry his cross. Jesus wasn’t going to make it to Golgotha without some help. His need was obvious to the soldiers. Jesus didn’t resist Simon’s help. There was no direct, supernatural, “divine” intervention. God sent Simon.
Living memento mori means admitting our need and accepting that God most often comes to us through others. It means being vulnerable and not stubbornly independent. It means letting people into our lives.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Early Bird Testing Discounts are here through the end of this month. Register and pay now for remote testing and save $5.00 to $10 per student! To take advantage of this limited time offer and see the 2024 testing dates, go to www.basicskills.net/testing.
To schedule a remote private test call Jenny at 503-557-2223
