• And God’s grace in one particular instance •
[2 MIN READ]
This semester we’ve been studying emotions in the Bible. The Halloween lesson on fear was prescient. Caution: This piece contains graphic content. All details published with permission.
Phillip and Tyler were checking out Tiktok after we had adjourned from our session together. Phillip came across a dance video.
Tyler started dancing. Then he stopped.
As an effective club vice president, Tyler knows how to project his voice. He is also the epitome of decorum. Until he’s not. He bellowed, uncharacteristically. (Click on the following text to check out the deet. If you dare.)
GRAPHIC CONTENT: READ and COLLAPSE
AAAHH! MAMA MIA! (I know! Italian, no less!)
From across the tables, I could see him holding himself above the ground with his back against a chair and his arms locked desperately. If he had mislocated the chair and scratched his back on the arm as I initially thought, he’d probably already be on the floor. Instead, he was in persisting agony and trying not to escalate it by moving any more. I stood up and noticed his left knee looking unusual. As one student commented, “It looks flat.” I offered my diagnosis: “You’ve dislocated your kneecap.” (Click on the following text to see the deet. If you dare.)
GRAPHIC CONTENT: VIEW and COLLAPSE
Nothing to see here. Keep moving.
Pictures were taken. Text messages were sent. Public safety was called. Family was called. Witticisms were offered. (The irreverent Reverend, Pastor Ben: Tyler dislocated his knee! No cap!) Prayer was offered. Emergency services arrived. Emergency services departed.
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Our speaker Jason had just taught us about recognizing the place of fear relative to our interactions and status with the savior God. Freedom from fear doesn’t materialize instantly. Of course, God’s faithful can experience peace that passes understanding immediately (Philippians 4:6-7), but more often than not we have to experience it first. Then we must learn how to let the Holy Spirit teach us to replace it with assurance, confidence, peace.
Tyler’s ashen face sent one student from the room faint and nauseated. Other people were able to remain calm and encouraging, including the experienced ministerial advisors and campus staff.
Tyler is fine. He’s sporting a knee brace and using crutches.
Thank you, Lord, for protecting him and for teaching us all through fear-inducing experiences; past, present, and future. For your glory and honor. Amen.
FINE PRINT [CCOmmentary #9 for 2025’10’31’F] ¶Text: Calvin Wang (Wäng), CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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