Left: Our Lady of the Burning Bush
On a beautiful fall morning in 1991, I saw my burning bush.
Although I’ve had several mountain top experiences, this is one-of-a-kind. Remembering it gives me joy.
The Western white male scientific culture most of us live in ignores, deletes, reinterprets peak experiences of a religious or spiritual nature. That’s why I’m bearing witness to what happened to me.
I was a trailing spouse. In December 1987 my wife accepted a call to join the staff of the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care.
Baptists don’t understand why a God called male preacher would move across country with his wife. There must be something wrong with him!
My 362 days of searching yielded a part time position in rurban New Kent County, which I served for 10 years.
In September 1990 I began training for a career in clinical pastoral counseling. Part of that training was an internship on the adult psych unit of a local mental hospital.
It was a 40 minute interstate drive one day a week. It gave me time to think.
VIPCare’s training program is nationally recognized. Excluding my wife from any contact with my training, VIPCare graciously began the experiment of providing training for me as a full time resident.
The two-year period maxxed the stress on my family and me.
That morning, as I drove to the hospital, I faced a choice: slide through the program without risking or learning much. Or put myself lock stock and being on the block, and maybe (just maybe—no guarantees) be transformed.
I had begun individual therapy, a must for good counselors of any stripe. I guessed what was at stake: would I take up my cross and follow Christ?
Imagine the cost! It took my breath away.
Christians call it crucifixion. Shamans speak of being cut up, cooked, and eaten.
As I approached the toll booths that used to stand at the intersection of I-95 and Chippenham Pkwy., I decided to give it 100%.
I was scared shitless.
[Part two coming as soon as I can write it, 24 to 48 hours.]
Photo by Mary Fran
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