Fearless Faith

A sure sign when someone adamantly disagrees with another person is to hear them acknowledge that one or both of the parties are on different wavelengths, not on the same page but in another place altogether. It sometimes takes a whole lot of courage to fess up to reality. Any time there are relationships worth tending, however, it generally pays to be aware of just what those various wavelengths encompass. Are they helpful and favorable or does the emotional barometer bottom out in short order?

Particular wavelengths provide certainty and security as long as we experience them in the same way as others. What if we end up seeing what others do not, however? Is one party or the other in error? Perhaps our vision is skewed or lacking in breadth. Are we colorblind to what is before us or do we prefer to see only that which benefits our own understandings, a somewhat selfish feel-good position?

A fascinating study involves something that also thrills, at least in the eyes of a young museum attendee years ago. The venue is now more appropriately named the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. It was always (and still is) a place filled with wonder and mind-expanding exhibits; none more so than the mineral collections that include a bevy of fluorescent minerals. Encased in wooden-framed display cases that allowed one to flood the specimens in a box with natural, short wave, or long wave ultraviolet light, the minerals performed on queue by showing features and colors that surprised and delighted.

Even today, a fun excursion outside at night is assured when one brings a UV flashlight in tow. Not only does it light up numerous rocks and stones that are otherwise bland in daylight conditions, fluorescent stones take on a personality that cannot be denied without a base appreciation for the colors and markings hidden from us in regular daylight hours.

Comparing “with” and “without” UV pictures side-by-side is a reminder that being on a different wavelength is not only OK at times, but is a necessity to understand true potentials before us. Gardeners, for instance, remind us that certain pests, tomato worms for example, are no match for a good UV flashlight at night. Tomato worms, especially, glow lime green under UV light in the dark of night, a tool no sane gardener would want to be without.

Mineralized fossils and agates and some chunks of petrified wood are just off the back step waiting to shine if given the opportunity. How patient must we be to stop dismissing people because we are not on the same wavelengths as others? Is there not beauty and further wisdom to be gained beyond outside appearances?

Many of us would have trouble picking the true historical figure of Jesus out from a crowd. He probably would not be the one with a halo or natural blonde surfer hair or a person of impeccable taste or fashion. He would likely not even be a (gasp) white Caucasian! It’s not the visual wavelengths that we are on so much as our emotional and spiritual being that is seen and experienced. If we only pick and choose who Christ is depending on the light at hand, we might be in for a shock. It’s OK to be on different wavelengths when it comes to faith. We might even discover a new way to shine.