Journal of Sacred Work

[Editor's note: Cathy Self is on vacation.]

Ah, mon cher, for anyone who is alone, without God and without a master, the weight of days is dreadful. – Albert Camus 

   Most of the world's great religions teach a practice that can be deeply difficult for many. Jews, Christians and Muslims are commanded to "surrender" to the higher power of God.
   As a youth, and into adulthood, I have always been uncomfortable with that "surrender" word. Most people, particularly young males, are raised to secure victory, to triumph. We are taught that "giving up" suggests retreat and weakness. But, I wanted to live my faith.

   How do we surrender to God and still succeed in a world that shouts at us to compete and rewards us only if we win? It turns out that the first kind of surrender is the only way the second type of victory becomes meaningful.

   One day, I settled on the phrase "letting go." What this meant, for me, was simply letting go of the idea that it was up to me to gain a given "victory". There's nothing new about this notion. Sometimes people use the phrase "give it to God."  Still, this is difficult for many to do because it requires so much trust.  
    My friend, Dr. Tom Knowles-Bagwell (left) told me a powerful old story I had never heard. He said that long ago an African tribe developed a unique kind of cage to catch monkeys. They built the cage with an opening just big enough for the monkey to reach in. A large piece of the monkey's favorite fruit was place inside inside the cage. The monkeys would reach into the cage and grasp the fruit. But, they would be unable to remove their hand while still holding the fruit because the combination of hand and fruit was too big. The monkies would absolutely not let go of the fruit and were caught.
   How many different ways are we "caught" along our life journey because we "won't let go of the fruit?" I know that I have been no wiser than a monkey in holding on to some things and some ideas until I am trapped.

   Perhaps grace is defined by our ability to let go and trust Love.

   What do you think?

-Erie Chapman