by GINA LEE

My Religion, My CRUTCH

C

HRISTIANS generally react defensively when they hear that old song-and-dance about religion being a crutch. After all, doesn’t that mean that we are dis- abled in some way? People act as though there is something shameful about needing help. The modern myth is that a responsible, independent, successful adult doesn’t need to depend on anyone or anything.

When human beings are as young as two or three years old, they start getting ready to leave mom and dad. They want to do things themselves, and sharing is a concept that has to be taught. It takes vigilant adults to prevent toddlers from accidents as they decide they can work household appliances and get their own food. Any parent who has discovered the joy of pulling a cracker out of a DVD player or walking in on Junior giving Fluffy a haircut will confirm the fact. The truth is that even mature, self- supporting adults need other people. Most of us don’t grow or gather our food. We live in a complex society where the majority of us work for money to pay for food that someone else has grown. If we depend on each other for physi- cal survival, how much more must we depend on God? I don’t consider admit- ting my need for Him as a sign of weak- ness, but as a sign of spiritual maturity. A few years ago I was sentenced to two weeks of lying on the couch while I recov- ered from foot surgery. After the time was up, I was thrilled when my mom invited me out to eat. My foot was still bandaged up, so I needed a cane to hobble around. Not for a moment did I consider turning down the invitation just because I would have to make a public appearance as a temporarily disabled person. I got lots of stares from my fellow diners, but I was happy just to be out of the house. If someone tries to belittle me by saying my religion is a crutch, I surprise

26 EVANGEL • JUNE 2010

them by agreeing with them. Yes, reli- gion is my crutch. A crutch is something people use when they want to get from point A to point B and realize they can’t make it without some help. People who use crutches, glasses, or hearing aids are people who want to participate in life. They are people who aren’t content to sit on the sidelines. They want the perks that come with crutches.

My religion, my

crutch, has helped me jour- ney through life when I felt too discouraged to take another step on my own. It has seen me through the death of loved ones and has helped me cope with my own illness. When my bedroom caught fire, God was there. When an earthquake knocked me to the floor, God was there. When I lost my job and became mired in debt, God was there.

The nice thing about having a crutch is that you can use it every day. You don’t have to wait until you’re desperate for help—the help is always available. My father walked with a cane for most of his life, and I never heard him apologize for it. With the cane he was able to go backpacking. It got him where he wanted to go and was a trusted friend.

I could try stumbling through my life without the crutch of my religion, but my step is much surer with God’s help. My religion, my crutch, has taken me to places I would have never dreamed of going on my own. It has opened up my mind and let me catch a glimpse of the infinite possibilities of a life lived in dependence on my Savior. I refuse to live life unaided by my crutch. I prefer to walk with the Lord.

Gina Lee is a writer who lives in Burbank, California.

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