I was checking out my Twitter account one day, when Leslie posed the question, “Do you believe in fate?” I responded without a second thought, “I do. I believe somewhere between taking action and letting go, fate steps in.”
I know this type of question can spark all types of thoughts, conversation and debate over whether what happens to us is predetermined or if it’s a random chain of events. Yet many of us search for a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. In high school, I was active in my church’s youth group. I recall having a similar discussion about this with my friends and our minister, Chuck. Chuck challenged us to think. He didn’t spoon feed us answers he wanted us to believe… but rather, he challenged us to search our own hearts and find the truth within. Such a valuable lesson to teach young, impressionable minds. Because, at least in my case, the spiritual journey continues.
We put a lot of different labels on God and what/who that is. Sometimes I use the word “universe” to describe the force I sense is at play in the midst of our daily activities. It’s just a word. As a writer, clearly, I love words. But sometimes words can’t do justice or even begin to explain what’s going on beneath the surface of our five senses.
I have experienced some painful and confusing crossroads in my life. And each time, I have reached a point where I have to let go. (Let go, not give up. There’s a difference.)
When I let go, I move forward with no guarantee for the future. It’s a dance that requires feeling the rhythm, not controlling the steps. But eventually, I get into the groove, the flow, and that’s where all the magic happens.
I explore the idea of fate a little further in my latest column over at Hybrid Mom. Click here to read it.
Thanks! I needed that message today!
Fate is an interesting concept. Though I can read the definition I am not sure about all the applications this term could be assigned to. Whether FATE or PROVIDENCE, My life-journey from 1988-91 was enriched by a bright-eyed teenager, full of life, energy, a killer smile and a desire to think beyond the surface. You and some of the other young people in that season of life made my assignment much more meaningful. Keep “thinking” and writing about your discoveries.
Chuck’s post prompted me to look up “providence” before my first cup of coffee. Perhaps “providence” describes the dance…
–noun
1. (often initial capital letter) the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.
2. (initial capital letter) God, esp. when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.
3. a manifestation of divine care or direction.
4. provident or prudent management of resources; prudence.
5. foresight; provident care.
Thank you for writing this. Especially the line: ” (Let go, not give up. There’s a difference.) ” Absolutely wonderful.
I have a difficult time ‘letting go’. I try to control or be in control eventhough I know differently.
When I first let go of a dream and saw it come back to me in a whole new way is when I really started to “get it.” That experience really shaped my belief and faith in God and “providence.” See definition above for those like me who weren’t quite sure what it meant.
After all these years, I love the way that Chuck can still challenge you to think even broader than you already do and explore all possibilities. A great icon in your life. I too appreciate the definition of Providence. Thanks Angie and thank you Chuck for inspiring the definition in print so that I could have a true understanding of its meaning. Personally, somehow I feel that all 3 words are somehow twined together in some way….fate, faith and Providence. Angie, please continue “the dance” and keep inspiring all of us and keep us thinking and on our toes! You will always be God’s greatest gift to me.
My family and I are going through some MAJOR issues at the moment. I am the type to appear strong to those I love because I do not want to see my love ones sad. I can be sad…I feel like I’m in control if it’s just me. I read the “Do you believe in Fate” blog…and it made sense. Letting go…does not mean giving up. It’s helped me in my difficult times right now…thank you so much Angie.
Angie, I have been reading your posts about “fate” and of course you know where I stand, with Chuck, of course.
Ha! Seriously, we have had many conversations about who directs our steps, so I support the Truth…and the Truth being that Providential care (I guess that was meaning number two with the capital). There could be no other that would take such good care of me…left up to my own, I am like Genesis 6:5 (“The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that EVERY inclination of the thoughts of his heart was ONLY evil ALL the time.”) Whew, no room left for goodness in me apart from His saving grace and his Providence.