For most of us, life is often a fairly mundane rhythm of existence. Weeks go by before we notice how much time has actually elapsed. Now and then we have an unexpected visitor: Risk! Situations or moments come our way and we are faced with decisions and choices. One of these decisions is a choice for safety and comfort, to remain in what we know, and this is certainly not a ‘wrong’ choice, per se. When risk comes knocking, there is also another choice. A choice that propels us into uncharted waters and requires something of us. It invites us to step out into a place of not knowing, of instability, of following your heart … it requires a Leap of Faith.

I have often spoken about these places of peril over the last three decades. I spoke of them from a position of security, growth, and the idealism that accompanies youth and strength. But it is a different thing altogether to have Risk come calling for a cup of tea now that I am older. With age comes a sense of realism, a recognition that life does not read the “play fair” manual, and that the God of my youth was more like a shrine to my ideals than the God whose ways and thoughts are far above those of finite humanity. It is daunting, to say the least, to be invited to dust off the old Indiana Jones hat and take a leap of faith.

The stirring started in my heart quite a few years ago. I remembered why I chose to follow the teachings of  Christ. It never has been a path about safety, comfort, and acquisition. It is not a path were our objective is to impress people, create bigger platforms, or seek greater influence. It is not a way of life that allows for the building of ethereal castles, where we reside in the safety of our self-assured orthodoxy with people who agree with us. Rather, it is a narrow path of peace, mercy and justice. It is a path that requires sacrifice if these are the values we choose to live by. It is an adventure that will often require us to step into the total unknown, and like that famous scene from “The Last Crusade”, hope there is a path that meets us, even when we can’t see one.

For most of us there will come a time when we are asked to take that leap. It is both a terrifying and liberating moment. Here are some of my reflections:

1. Fear will Disguise itself as Your Friend

Fear is what undergirds so much of our vulnerable existence. Religion can placate the angst with all sorts of promises and stern warnings, yet so much of religion is itself steeped in fear and superstition. The first step to freedom is recognising this. It is to understand that the notions of safety are not that realistic. The more we make our peace with this recognition the more readily we notice the many disguises of fear. No wonder the call of Christ includes the path of being willing to lose our life in order to find life.

2. Fear will Insist you Take the Path of Safety

I kissed Christian Fundamentalism goodbye quite a few years ago. It was a leap of faith. For someone who had bought into the austerity of these ideals, including the over-emphasised teaching that humans are depraved and that the heart is deceitful above all, I had to learn to listen to my heart again. I discovered my inner core was a joyful space, full of light, wonder and goodness. When we live in Spirit rhythm we begin to breathe again. Fear beckoned me to the safety of ‘absolute certainty’. Grace called me to take a leap of faith. I am so glad I took that leap.

3. You will Pay a Price – No Matter the Choice

When Risk comes calling we have to make decisions. The decisions and choices we make in these times have a price tag – all of them! Do we risk the sense of belonging and recognition we have acquired in our social tribe by stepping beyond the borders of their acceptability? Do we stay and live with the incongruity of living at odds with our deep held values? Do we risk all by following that still, small voice? Do we risk our joy by not? Make no mistake – choices have a price tag. All of them.

4. Your Leap of Faith may End in a Spectacular Dive of Failure

Friend, where did we get the idea that risk is, well, risk free? You may take a leap and it may not end well, or at least, not like you thought it would … and that’s ok! We are humans, we risk, we leap, we triumph … except when we don’t. Failures are part of life. No, you are not a failure! You simply took a risk and maybe it didn’t turn out the way you hoped. But you still took a risk. Well done! And the people who are muttering after your spectacular mishap should simply be reminded that the spiritual beer gut they are parading from inactivity does absolutely nothing to convince you to take any remote notice of them.

5. Celebrate the Leap!

If you do decide to take that leap – then celebrate it. Celebrate it with tenacious joy and full belly laughs. Celebrate it with your kindred and adventure-loving friends. Remind everyone that we have one very short life to live and that regret is the saddest of all companions. Be open about the lessons you have learnt – the highs, the lows, the misery, the wonder.

A Leap of Faith sounds wonderful in theory. It is intoxicating to talk about it in front of crowds, cheering you on. It is a different thing altogether to make a decision as you stare into the menacing unknown. I will be the last person to judge you if you choose not to take that leap. For only you can make that decision and only you will face the consequences of your choice. However, if you do decide to go on this adventure, with all my heart, I wish you well. Maybe one day we will meet, chink glasses, tell our stories, and be grateful for the hell of a ride called life.