I got blessed during the last Seahawks game, and not because of the outcome.
Since transitioning to a wheelchair, I’ve been blessed by many strangers: travelers and tourists who quiz me about my condition and pray for a cure; street preachers who counsel me to believe and then hand me a sandwich; fellow suffers who know the toll of chronic pain and degenerative diseases; homeless guys who figure I have it worse and share a soda with me. At times, I have been taken aback. I may even have flinched. But I try to accept the spirit in which these prayers are offered.
Think solace.
In the middle of the testosterone-fueled melee of a major sporting event, block after block of jerseys and face paint, surrounded by an army of drummers, a fair number of good-hearted inebriates whooping loudly with annoying regularity, and herded by those paid to try to keep the peace, I received the gift of sincerity. For a moment, a stranger felt moved to clasp hands with me and summon help.
My own faith is mutable yet palpable, unorthodox and personal, humanistic but abiding. What prayers do I have of my own to share? Nothing fully formed. I wonder how to convey what all of us need at any given time. What else but a few simple words from another with a window into weakness and a shared history of helplessness trying to name those forces that uplift and strengthen and relieve despair? What else?
While my belief in any given entity is questionable, my belief in the strength of our mutual (every living being) spirit is very strong. An uplifting piece, once more by sharing you give the gift of inspiration.
Thank you, and, yes, bless you.
I close tearfully, dear Randy! Great essay.
I feel a sting in my eyes, thinking how many times people have offered solace when I least expected it, remembering how many times I have failed to offer it when it was needed. This is powerful writing, Randy, the heart-opening kind.
Randy thank you for sharing so beautifully that simple, naked kindness.
” What else but a few simple words from another with a window into weakness and a shared history of helplessness trying to name those forces that uplift and strengthen and relieve despair? What else?”
A call to give and to receive.