"On the Road"  copyright Caris Cerdwyn, all rights reserved

There are times when adventures await.  Times when Spirit's whisper is so insistent, she turns into a whole pep club, cheering and waving her arms until you finally give in and follow.  There are times when there is just no escaping the fact that she is granting your deepest heart's desire, your 5 year plan is suddenly turned on its side and chaos ensues as you rush to put your shoes on, grab your bag and head out the door to regions unknown.  There are times when the God of the belly button (this is a phrase I borrow from Edwina Gately, a delightful Catholic layperson who has done spectacularly amazing things for women struggling to get out of prostitution in the inner city of Chicago), will not let up.  She just tugs and tugs until you want to cut the cord!  Listen to your belly button Edwina tells us.  Even when it looks impossible, improbable, unrealistic.  Trust the God of the belly button and follow!  Head on down the road.  There will no doubt be a Red Sea to cross, but you have the faith to get there.  There will be all kinds of fear and doubt shouting at you, telling you to go back to the familiar, the comfortable, the things you know, even though they were killing you.  There will demons at your back, the sound of rushing horses and chariots, whips, shouting, the battle is nearly upon you.  Stop, listen, don't let fear be the basis of your decision.  Pay attention, look around, and do the thing that is impossible.  Face your fear and wade in...ankle deep, knee deep, hip deep, chest deep, neck and shoulders deep...and when it has risen up to your nostrils, then the waters will part, your psyche will make way, and the enemy at your back will be lost in the chaos, as you walk into freedom. 

There is still a long journey ahead.  The road to freedom isn't an easy one.  There are no short cuts.  But you will be across that first obstacle, and you will know that the God who was in the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night for the children of Israel, is the same God who is tweaking your belly button so insistently as to be doggoned annoying! Go with the Spirit.  Just go.  And trust that endings lead to endless possibility and new life.  

We're here in your corner, cheering you on!  You've got what it takes.