Fear of Widths
Photo by Sammie Chaffin on Unsplash
Steven Wright, a comedian known for his lethargic, deadpan delivery of ironic, philosophical, and sometimes nonsensical humor once said of fear, “A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me. I’m afraid of widths.”
The definition of an irrational fear is, of course, “someone else’s.”
But fear—genuine fear—is a very real and potentially debilitating thing.
And have you ever noticed the vast difference between being told, “there’s nothing to be afraid of”, and being asked, “why are you afraid?” The former is condescending (and wrong), while the latter leaves open the possibility that there may, in fact, be something there.
It’s the latter Jesus asks some friends in a boat—and by extension, us—in this story from St. Mark.
See you Sunday.
Steve+
Sharing a Meal
We’ll be sharing a meal after worship this Sunday in part to say “farewell” as Steve and Lauren leave for the months of July and August for Steve’s sabbatical. Bring a picnic lunch for yourself or family, we’ll have bottled water for you.
Points of Contact
While Steve Wishart is on sabbatical (through Labor Day), Redeemer will be blessed with several preachers. Begining next week, Robert Burns, Thomas Pfenson, and Steve Engstrom will be supplying the pulpit. Steve+ Engstrom will be the go-to person for pastoral issues and Anna Schollenberger will be available for all administrative issues. And, don’t forget your Vestry: Hale Simmons, Senior Warden and Seth Maddox, Junior Warden.