Scared Sacred

We’ve all heard stories of a young person who was headed down the wrong path and then due to some blessed horrific encounter, they were “scared straight.”  Something broke into their lives, opened their eyes, changed their souls and they were dramatically transformed, and began to journey down a new and life giving path. 

A couple of times recently when writing to parishioners, I’ve had most curious and related typos.  Once when I meant to ask if someone was “scared” I asked if they were “sacred,” and in the other incident I spoke of “scared and holy time” rather than “sacred and holy time.”  I could just chalk these up to more of Paul’s typos, but I think there is insight to be found.  (I’m now convinced, by the way, that they are the Spirit’s clever way of teaching me something…that’s my story and I’m sticking with it!!) 

After my most recent “typo,” my wise friend, with whom I was texting, wrote back and said, “Did you notice your typo?  You asked the person if they were ‘scared’ but you typed ‘Are you sacred?’” She went further to say that perhaps we forget that at times when we are most scared are also times that can be most sacred. For in these times we are vulnerable, open and calling upon the Lord.  Sometimes, we need to be “scared sacred.” 

I don’t like being afraid.  I don’t like being scared and vulnerable, but there are certainly times when that is the only way Spirit can break through the sin of my pride and ego. My fear can be transformed into courage and confidence through the indwelling of the power of our Creator!  My trembling heart and soul can find a place of blessed peace and stillness in grace filled arms of the Lord!  My confusion and disorientation can be formed into clarity and certainty by the gentle guiding of the Holy Spirit.

O that in our times of fear and trembling, we may not find ourselves in a place of holy abandonment, but rather sacred assurance in the one true and living God who will never leave us nor forsake us.  May we find ourselves blessedly “scared sacred.”

Peace,

Paul+

Psalm 121

 ¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
   where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the LORD,
   the Maker of heaven and earth.
 ³ He will not let your foot slip—
   he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.
 ⁵ The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
   nor the moon by night.

 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
   he will watch over your life;
⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
   both now and forevermore.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, the comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)