horror. We quickly realized this was not a scene from Live Free or Die Hard. This was actual events being recorded in actual time. The Mississippi River will never look the same again. For me, I will always see images of the people, their cars, and a collapsed bridge.The other day, I read a few articles about the Twin Cities calamity. One of the articles was written by a local pastor. He had some pretty strong things to say. Most of which, I disagreed with. However, he made one statement that has stayed with me. It's been kind of eating away at me. You know the feeling?
Here's what he said. "The word 'bridge' does not occur in the Bible. There may be two reasons. One is that God doesn't build bridges, he divides seas. The other is that usually his people pass through the deadly currents of suffering and death, not simply ride over them."
Now, I'm not sure I really like his reasons. They are his opinions and he's definitely entitled
to them. However, I do find this information about bridges fascinating. I'm not shocked about the exclusion of the word from the Bible. I'm more intrigued with the concept. Did bridges not exist in biblical times? Were they nowhere in the physical world? Have we created a term (bridging) that suites our penchant for passing over?If you are a friend of this blog, you will know that we spoke a bit about this last week. Perhaps the entry "Collide" wasn't just some random conversation. Maybe the film Crash, written in 2004, was correct in its foreshadowing. Maybe now we can hear these words and be moved by them...
"It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something."
Let me ask you. In relationships, is it better to build a bridge for your partner or to go through the situation with him/her? In friendships, is your role to help get that friend out of the mess he's in? Or to be there for him mess and all? In love, is it better to skip over the common things or take the time to build a secure foundation?
May we all be reminded with every bridge we pass over, that there is another option. May we remember that being a good friend isn't always about having the answer, it's about being there. May we stop trying so hard to build bridges. In turn, my our energies be used to lay some pretty thick foundations.
10 comments:
Well. Here's my $.02. I imagine that "bridge" doesn't occur in the Bible b/c of the technology and engineering prowess not being there. I do think that the Word has a number of reference to the Lord leading us out. Egypt & the Israelites: parables and the Lord making firm paths for our feet; prophecy and the highway of holiness.
But I digress. Back to your real topic. It is difficult to step back and look at the story the Father is weaving throughout the entire Bible and NOT see his propensity and proclivity to lead us through the "deadly currents of suffering and death." Is the rampant disobedience that is arguably the monikor of our modern Christian experience less of a love for disobedience and more of a disdain for saying "yes" to suffering?
Ben, thanks for the love yet again!
As to your question. Good one by the way. I can confidently answer yes for myself.
I do think we've adopted a certain language that makes it difficult to go through... we'd rather go over. That's the point.
Has our language, and lifestyle, "built bridges" for friends and neighbors? Have we become so accustomed to taking the easier route? And at what cost?
Bridges.
In one sense they are a testament to the indomitable, take no prisoners spirit of man. If you think about it it's a beautiful picture of strong will and determination.
But, on the other hand it's the perfect painting of pride. We don't have the time to ford the raging river so we build a bridge above it. We don't want to get our boots wet so we spend our time and resources constructing an easier way. We don't want to "get dirty" so we build a raised highway over the swamps.
Convenience, comfort, appearance - these are the things we build bridges on.
Now, another line of thinking jumps out at me with this whole idea. Sometimes we build bridges to go "over" instead of through. There are times though, that we build bridges not because of what needs to be crossed, but because of what's on both sides. Some bridges are more about bringing 2 ways of life together, about joining cultures, and about unifying 2 "sides" of a divide.
Don't get me wrong. There is character built in crossing through suffering and "life" instead of "floating" above it. But, there are other instances when character is built through the blood, sweat, and tears of those who spend their lives building bridges so that those who follow them can build community and connect on levels previously impossible.
P.S. Join me and some great people from all over the world discussing worship related and "church" stuff at the www.theworshipcommunity.com,
We could really use your perspective and voice over there.
Russ, thank you!
You bring a holistic viewpoint to our conversation. After all, our problem isn't with bridges themselves. It more about the motivation involved.
Bridges really are beautiful... especially when used to bring two people groups together. When bridges are used to unite they accomplish their purpose. When they join they are most beautiful.
Here's to everyone who spends their time building bridges so others can enjoy and build community. We thank you a million times over! Thanks bud.
Russ, thanks for the invite.
I love a world-wide party! Let's do it!
Well, this one really made me think.
The bridge collapse was tragic and I watched it on TV for hours. However, I don't understand why the word 'bridge' not being found in the Bible makes it a negative word.
I will usually "cross a bridge when I get to it" and I am careful to never "burn a bridge." There is a famous quote, "People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges." If I am upset about something that I have no control over..."I build a bridge and get over it!"
PS
PS, thank you!
Just as with Russ' comment, I too believe "bridges" are and can be a beautiful thing! It is not my intention, nor my belief, to associate bridges with a negative connotation.
I'm simply trying to ask the question of why it's more commonplace for us, as a culture, to pass over instead of going through. I believe our society would be strengthened from swimming in the deep waters of life instead of passing them over.
That's what I hoped we could discuss.
Russ...I join with Bo in celebrating your perspective. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks Ben for sharing a little love.
Bridges... I think an honest compliment like this can lead us into unknown paths. The smallest bit of encouragement can fuel us for weeks.
Thank you.
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