Monday, July 28, 2008

Fog

Whenever I encounter a fog I experience the same response. At first, a sense of awe at the beauty and mystery. I’ve watched fog cross mountain peaks and settle low on the dirty streets of New York City. I’ve stood in a chilly morning stream fly fishing as fog dances across the water like a wispy ballerina. I’m a fan of God's creative flare. Fog forms when the difference between the temperature and dew point is five degrees or less. At this point, even a small amount of water transforms into a gas and becomes visibly suspended in the atmosphere. The mystery of fog draws me and makes me lose myself in wonder.
After a brief sense of awe, I then remember how dangerous this natural phenomenon can be. In 1977 a convocation of circumstances caused one of the airline industry’s worst disasters. On the tiny Island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands two 747's became aimless and confused in an unexpected fog. Miscommunication led one pilot to attempt a take-off while the other was assured it would be safe to cross the runway. The two 747's crashed and burned on the runway, and the collision killed 575 people. Fog creates conditions that are very dangerous, especially when humans act with normal operational assumptions.
I must admit that on the most basic personal level I have been living in a fog of grief. I don’t mean the emotional confusion you experience at first, when death robs you and your aching heart can’t find its footing. I’m talking about later in the process of grief. The danger is not the fog as much as my assumption that I can navigate as if I’m under normal conditions. At best, fog is God's warning to us that conditions change and it’s best to be still. Fog is attractive to the grieving because it covers the ugly reality of our lives. Fog can be a beautiful and welcome break from our aching pain. However, to attempt normal movement forward in fog puts us at great risk of damage and destruction. This is a time when communication with the tower is critical. Following instructions is fundamental. Repeating commands, questions and caution should and must rule.
Fog is beautiful and dangerous, and thank God it doesn’t last. It burns off when the sun rises and warms the glowing amber earth. The wisest counsel to my soul in a fog is from the very heart of God.
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psalm 46:10-11 (KJV)
I gladly confess that I have no one in whom to trust but the Lord. I joyfully conclude that He alone is my refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble, therefore I will not fear the fog or the grief of my life.
Ed Litton

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pastor Ed, this is an incredible story. I am so thankful that we have a tower that will lead, guide and keep us safe and when darkness comes, He turns the lights on for us to find our way back home. Pastor, thank you for your leadership the body of FBNM is so blessed to have you as our sheppard. We Love you, Kip Saucier

Anonymous said...

Ed I just want to let you know that you have touched my life in a powerful way this past year. It has been exactly 1 year since my precious husband took his life. He was a born again christain so I know where he is but I can relate to all you have experienced in your loss of your precious Tammi. By God's grace and Godly pastors such as you has helped me get through these horrible times of grief. I pray daily that God will in time send you someone to share the rest of your life with. God knows you need a help mate and in his time will send the right one. I know the loneliness you feel as I too can relate. Losing your soul mate is never easy but we will see them again. Please know you are loved and prayed for daily. Your cousin. Kat.

Anonymous said...

Pastor Ed,
Your blog was very touching. In the last few months, just being still has brought so much peace to our lives. You are loved.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Pastor Litton for being so transparent and honest with your flock and with people like me, who do not know you personally.God appointed your family to walk through some conditions that are nightmarish and imcomprehesible, but He has also annointed you and He has annointed your pen. I was introduced to your blog last August, as you shared about the loss your family experienced. I never meant to read it again, because I felt that I was intruding on something deeply personal and private. but the Spirit drew me near to it again. Our Lord was transparent with all of His emotions. His grief, His anger, His anguish, His pleasure, His love...He did not hide these. Thank you for being a mirror of Christ and reminding me of this.
--Shan W.

Anonymous said...

Bro Ed,
Thinking about you this month and remembering your family and the loss you experienced almost a year ago. I understand from a friend of mine that you have a special event this weekend... the wedding of your son. I remember the wedding of my nephew after his mother died from cancer at age
37. It was a day of mixed emotions for the whole family, but God's grace was sufficient. Today, that son, his wife and four children are missionaries to the Yakima Indians in Washington State.

I read your blog from time to time and see how God has given you wisdom for the journey. Please know that you are often lifted up in prayer.