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‘Going back’, like ‘starting out’, can be scary. The first time the Israelites in the
wilderness reached the Promised Land they were too scared to enter, so God
decreed they would wander in the wilderness until all that generation had died
before he would bring them to the promised land again – 40 years later! When
the Babylonian ‘exile’ ended, around 550BC, and God’s long-promised return to
Israel was brought about, many Israelites chose to stay behind in Babylon; it
was 432BC before the last ones went back!
Yes, going back and starting out can be scary! We can be afraid of what lies in
front of us if we come back or start over: that is a human fear, a natural
anxiety, which can mean we choose to stay where we are – feeling comfortable
and safe. But look around you, and at the world, and you will see nothing
stands still for very long. We, in the Church and as individuals, have to move
with the times and trust in God to help us overcome such human challenges.
I found some words that I find really helpful as I think about ‘starting back’:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
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We ask ourselves,
‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't help the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone.
As we are liberated from our own fear
Our presence automatically liberates others”.
Marianne Williamson
(“A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles
of A Course in Miracles”)
If we are to start over or face going back, we could do no better than apply these
words to ourselves. For the Holy Spirit is our power, beyond measure; Christ is
our light, which has overcome the darkness; and God is our Father who delights
in us, His brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous children.
Whether you are going back to school or work, or coming back to God and Church, I pray
God’s blessing upon you.
Andy
Rev Andy Laird, Minister,
Wellesbourne Methodist Church
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