Blog 659 – 06.10.2017
Who Can I Turn To?

Ever been disappointed, let down by a friend, a family member, or a lover? I knew the answer to that question before I even asked. Of course, you have and so have we all. But what are we to conclude from that – No one is to be trusted, there is no one to turn to in time of trouble that you can really count on? Really, I believe, there is One and it is not mama, daddy, sister, brother, even best friend or lover. They all fail us from time to time for a reason, to remind us that there is no one but the One who can be all in all to us and whether you call that someone God, Allah, Jesus, your Higher Self, The Universe, or one of a thousand other names, there is but One you can turn to and never be turned down or disappointed.

Are you sure of that, Doctor Dave? As sure as I can be of anything. There is a Bible verse that says, “When my mother and father forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” And, yes, I know it gives some of you the “he-be she-be’s” when anyone quotes Bible verses. It used to me too when I stopped believing that the Bible was a magic book with all the answers. It no longer is for me and never was nor will be for many people but there are some good things there too as I am sure there are in most books, religious or otherwise. But lest I stray too far from my point, all relationships but one fail at this very point, the point of consistency and faithfulness. But then it is silly of us to expect humans to be all that consistent or faithful. We just are not made that way – we are as the poet has said a riddle wrapped in a mystery and too often tarnished idols revealing feet of clay. Only One can promise with any real hope of never coming up short, of never ever disappointing or failing us. We have all made promises, written checks that our assets or limited bank account could not or would not allow us to cash. We just do not, on our human side at least, really have those kind of resources or reserves, but One does.

I was really shocked about this time last year to have a long time friend write some pretty harsh and hurtful things about me on Social Media because he disagreed with an opinion that I had expressed. It really floored me. I remember thinking, “How could he say that? I thought he knew me, if anyone did.” I should have then but I can now thank him for reminding me that only One knows the worst about me but yet believes the best about me and always has my back. It is good to be reminded of that. A song that I remember singing says, “Where could I go? Where could I go seeking a comfort for my soul? Where could I go but to the Lord? An old fashioned word, Lord. It means “Boss.” I am thinking of a Bob Dylan lyric that he wrote during his “born again” phase. It says, “You’re gonna have to serve somebody.” I like to pair that with Ricky Nelson’s Garden Party lyric that says, “You can’t please everyone so you’ve got to please yourself.” Your Higher Self that is, the best, and kindest, most loving “Boss” you will ever work for. The One you can always turn to, knowing He will never turn away or let you down. We should all strive to be the best child, brother/sister, lover, or friend we can be but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, that loves more consistently that the best lover, He/She is Boss. At least, many of us who have experienced many of life’s joys and a few of its disappointments think so.

The song says, “Who can I turn to when you turn away?” You might try looking a little deeper into those eyes that stare back at you in the mirror. Someone once sang till you find Him in the mirror, you’ve got a long way to go. Go inside for the answers that matter most.

Your friend and fellow traveler,
David White