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Today’s Word: Bridge

Steve · September 21, 2013 · 1 Comment

Footbridge on the grounds of Ignatius House, Atlanta. SJG photo

Bridges — whether a short footbridge over a small creek or a majestic span across a treacherous bay — get us to places we cannot get on our own or at least not without extraordinary human effort. Without the footbridge, we run and jump across the creek, hoping we reach the other side without getting a little dirty. With it, we take a few effortless steps while perhaps stopping halfway across to view the trickling water below. Without the bridge across the bay, we plunge into the cold water and sink or swim while praying the sharks are off on vacation somewhere in warmer waters. With the bridge, it’s a quick drive and maybe a few bucks at the tollbooth.

Like jumping across the creek or swimming in shark-infested waters, getting through life purely on our own power is certainly possible. People do it all the time. But our faith in a compassionate and knowing God offers us a bridge over troubled waters, someone to stand in the gap for us when we find ourselves at the end of a path with no way forward. As we stand looking over this sudden expanse in our life — whether a minor gap or a major plunge — we know somewhere deep that we have choices.

Unwilling or incapable of asking for help, we must either turn back at this point or risk the cold and dangerous waters far below, not knowing if we’ll survive the jump, the deep water or the lingering dark shapes circling and waiting. Or we can take that first step out into thin air, secure in our faith in the bridge builder, confident that our footfall will find solid ground and a way across to the other side. This is our faith, that we keep walking, even when we cannot at first see the way.

Ask yourself in silence: Where do I need a bridge in my life right now? Do I have the faith to ask for it?

Spirituality, Today's Word encouragement, faith, Spirituality, Today's Word

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Comments

  1. Kathleen Matson says

    September 23, 2013 at 10:23 am

    Wow! These words jump from the page and into my heart! They have reminded me that no matter what challenges or uncertainties we face, our footsteps forward are secure in faith. What a gift faith is! I don’t think I can look at a bridge again, without envisioning God in the middle of it! And when I don’t know how I will ever get to the other side of some things, I will remember.
    May God continue to bless this beautiful gift He has given you, Steve!
    Kathleen

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Steve Givens is a retreat and spiritual director and a widely published writer on issues of faith and spirituality. He is also a musician, composer and singer who lives in St. Louis, Mo., with his wife, Sue. They have two grown and married children and five grandchildren.

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Recent Posts

  • Does Faith Leave Us Open to Change?
  • Discovering Fire (Again): The Innovation of Love
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