Standing Naked Before God and Daring to be You...

Have you ever felt like you were standing bare and vulnerable, knowing it was time to embrace your true self? This feeling, this moment of authenticity, is where our journey of true living begins.

I sometimes find myself imagining walking through the busy streets of the downtown of my hometown of Toronto, the skyscrapers towering above, with the noise of city life all around me. In the midst of this urban jungle, if I really listen carefully and allow myself to see, I find myself hand in hand with the Divine, navigating the maze of life's challenges together.

Sometimes in my daydream I glance back at the path I have walked, this reminds me of the poem Footprints. I imagine seeing two sets of footprints imprinted on the pavement, one belonging to me, the other to God. In those moments, there's a profound sense of connection, amidst the chaos of the city streets and in my life.

But then, life throws its curveballs, and I find myself upside down and confused, lost in the crowd, feeling like a solitary figure in the urban sprawl. During these moments, when despair threatens to consume me, I look back and see only one set of footprints. It's in these moments of solitude that one wonders, "Where is God when I need Him the most? Why do I feel so alone amidst the bustling city streets and in life?"

In the depths of one's soul, you cry out, seeking answers. And then, in the quiet whispers, you hear the voice of the Divine. "I have never left your side. In your darkest moments, it was I who carried you, lifting you up when you couldn't navigate the twists and turns of life on your own."

This realization - that even in the midst of life's chaos, we are cradled in the arms of Divine love. I have come to know this personally. It speaks to the core of my being, reminding me that our faith is a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and connection with the Divine amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

So, as you navigate life's urban jungle, remember these metaphorical footprints on the pavement. In our moments of vulnerability and authenticity, the divine is always there with us. We are always standing naked before God, now it is time for you to dare to be you, the Divine will catch you...

Peter J. Merrick, TEP