Visceral Moments

The moment when we can’t go forward, or back; the spit of time when we teeter on the unknown. Frozen in fear.


When you know your illness is unmanageable; going back is not an answer, but then, forward is totally unknown and dark. It contains what? What horrors lurk there?


Or, what hope?


The same with a failed relationship. A friend’s steady presence is shaken and a future without him or her seems impossible. Perhaps this relationship is a marriage. Failed now? Or on what rocky precipice does our future rely?


The past as weed choked mire; the future as dark, fearful. Dreaded. What awaits? What failures hide in the crevices of doubt?


In between these difficult options is the present; this is me, you,…us. This is a point of decision.


A visceral moment of truth.


Finding ourselves there we are in need of help, a steady rock or hand. We need courage to step forward into the unknown because that way is hope for better things.


That requires a connection between a you and an I. It is a nexus toward better things, toward hope.


Last night I attended a meeting in which we discussed dwindling attendance at church. We soon learned that this was not about us – our church – but about all churches. Who is coming to church? Who are the regulars? Why do they come? And of course, the all-important question – why do others not come? What led to their falling away from a church community?


We discussed why people attach themselves to any group, assembly, or pattern of interaction with the same people. We realized a connection existed that fed an interest or need they all shared. Church life is certainly like that. it is a group of people sharing their needs and their hopes in a setting of stability through the ages. It is a connection to the past and the future. It is a nexus that feeds possibility.


We agreed that theological concerns were a search for answers in a sea of doubt. Our faith journeys are separate and meaningful to me. And you. Each on separate paths. Shared journeys make it a bit more comfortable. Still personal and separate but with more assurance. To deal with life’s challenges.


Finding a connecting point between people on similar journeys became a focus of our thinking. How do we let people be in their own beliefs and journeys of faith while providing support and care?


The moment we give a system of belief to help is the moment we proselytize, sell our belief system, our religion or theology. I don’t want to do that. I just want to share the support and caring. The belief system is personal and will come to the individual as they need it to be. Yes, there is theology available, but it may best be there for discovery by the individual, not pressed upon them by a well-meaning person.


Connections. Nexus. Visceral moments shared so we can make sense of things together, not in a vacuum. Like life, death, natural disasters. Like failed marriages, relationships, careers, indecision on big questions. Pain of loss of loved ones. Loss of stability, financial, health or otherwise.


Visceral moments in which we feel the threads and sinews of life. Shaky and slipping away.


Philosophy is visceral. So are politics. Commerce, too. And child rearing! Let us not forget parenting.


The question remains – in visceral moments where do we find the nexus of possibility? Of hope?


October 24, 2019