Hanging On
I want to write to you today about “Hanging On.” Three quick things pop in my mind when I think about that term. I think of the song, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” I also think of the idea that sometimes, we are barely “hanging on” to life by a thread. Finally, I thought of things of which we don’t want to let go. The following news article may shed some light on that final meaning. The article was taken from the Daily Californian (Berkeley, CA.)
Tuesday, April 29, 2003 – Woman Injured in Purse-Snatching A woman was dragged by a car in South Berkeley early Sunday during a struggle to keep her purse from landing in the hands of thieves, police said. The struggle began about 1:15 a.m. when the woman was accosted on the 2000 block of Emerson Street by two female assailants, one of whom grabbed onto her purse, said Berkeley police Officer Mary Kusmiss. The woman held on as the thief stepped into a car, which began to move. She traveled between eight and 10 feet before letting go of her purse. She suffered scrapes and swelling.
This incident is not the first of its kind and it won’t be the last. I don’t know what was in the purse, but I doubt it was anything worth risking one’s life over. I wanted to share that news story because it reminded me of myself, and maybe it might remind you of yourself. No, I’ve never had my purse snatched (I only carry a purse when my wife asks). You too, may never have had your purse snatched. The element of the story that reminds me of myself is the “hanging on” part.
It didn’t take me too long to think of things that I wouldn’t want to let go. My computer quickly came to mind (my wife would say a hearty amen to that). My video taped collection of “Saved by the Bell” episodes made my top ten list. There are plenty of other possessions for which I might risk scrapes and swelling like the woman in the above news story. I’m sometimes ashamed of the importance I give my possessions. Mark 8:36-37 says, “And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (NLT)
Is there anything that you hold onto so tight? It might not be a physical possession. What else can take hold of you so tight that it squeezes out the time and intimacy God wants from you?
I have held onto things such as tradition, my huge appetite, my comfort zone, non-Christian behavior (pride, lack of self-control, anger). I’ve hung on tight to a lot of things that can and do come between me and the wonderful love of God our Father. Have you hung on to similar items? Do you still hang on tight to these things? Is it some bad habit that is keeping you away from the loving relationship God wants to have with you? Is it your religious heritage that keeps you away from loving God deeper? What is it?
Everybody’s got something from time to time that keeps them away from pure dedication to God. As for me, well…… I’d have too many things to mention if I started to list them. I work all the time on having my priorities straight. God is my number one priority and he should be so every day of the week, but sometimes (or is that many times?) I slip and I fall. My prayer is that I will get right back up on my feet and re-focus on HIM. I pray the same for you also. Can I hear an Amen?
