For Faith Matters this term, we will look at some folk stories and explore how they link to matters of faith and our lives today.

He Watches Over

For a Cherokee Indian youth to be considered a man, he must endure the ‘Rite of Passage.’

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone.  He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the morning sun shines through it.  He cannot cry out for help to anyone.  Once he survives the night, he is a man.  He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each boy must come into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified.  He can hear all kinds of noises.  Wild beasts must surely be all around him.  Maybe even some human who might do him harm.  The wind blows the grass and earth, and shakes his stump but he must sit stoically, never uncovering his eyes.  Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appears, and he removes his blindfold.

It is then he discovers he is not alone.  His father is sitting on the stump next to him, having been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We too, are never alone, not matter how frightening our circumstances.  Even when we aren’t aware, God is watching over us, always protecting us.  When we are afraid and feel alone all we have to do is reach out to Him. He may not always give us the answer we want, but He is present!

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Isaac Williams
Assistant Chaplain – Wyvern House