Taking a big step in faith
Read the Rev. Valerie Loner’s column and check out the church calendar.
About a decade ago I traveled to San Francisco for work. Once my meetings were over, I decided to check out the city’s iconic cable cars. I waited in a crazy long line like all of the other tourists.
After what felt like forever, I was nearly at the front of the line, and the car was filling up quickly. It looked like I would have to wait for the next cable car. There were no seats left, but the conductor was motioning adults to stand on the running board of the cable car (those with children had to keep waiting because of safety issues). Finally, there was one spot left — in the very front on the right side of the car — and it was my turn to board. This was NOT what I had imagined.
I stepped on the running board and wrapped my arms around the pole, the only thing that would prevent me from flying off. The trip started out pretty well. There was a slight breeze that was rather refreshing after waiting in the sun. Then, as I was starting to relax, there was a rapid descent down one of the city’s many steep hills. The breeze transformed into a gale force wind, and I became a horrified hood ornament.
It was absolutely terrifying 20 minutes, but, somehow, I loved it. I enjoyed an unobstructed view of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. My adrenaline level was high, and I felt more alive than I had moments before. Crazy but true. When is the last time you felt like that?
But I almost missed out, because my first instinct was to wait for the next cable car and take a nice comfy seat. Comfy and safe, but not very adventurous. Over and over again, biblical characters are greeted with the words, “Do not be afraid.” Whether you’re being visited by a prophet or an angel or just pondering a new adventure, not succumbing to fear is critical. If I had opted to wait for the next cable car and take the safest seat in the middle of the car, I wouldn’t have been able to see much because the people standing on the running board would have blocked my view.
Next month, I’ll be leaving Rome to become the pastor of Jonesboro First United Methodist Church. I’m excited about what’s to come, but I’ll miss my congregation and friends in Rome. Naturally, I’m a bit nervous. You don’t pack up everything you own and go to a new place without a few butterflies. But I know that God goes ahead of me to prepare the way. I’m ready to hop back on the running board and take another ride. I’ll hang on tight, but I can’t wait to see the view.
God bless you all.
The Rev. Valerie Loner is the pastor at Rush Chapel United Methodist Church.