Surviving in a religious world without religon, and instead relying on your Ranger Bob
I read somewhere that roughly 90% of the worlds population believe in a higher power taking the form of one deity or another. Each seems to have a slightly overlapping set of guidelines, goals, and overall sense of purpose for coming together on weekly or daily basis. While I exist in the 10% minority, it appears to me that the regular congregation seems largely to offer one primary purpose—support. Life is sometimes full of strife and would be difficult to overcome some of the challenges without some form of emotional and physical support. Religion in it’s most basic form seems architected to provide that very kind of structure and support to the masses. Many pray on a regular basis offering thanks for what they have, but it seems a natural instinct to look to a higher power in times of dire need. How many times have you seen someone on a TV show or movie “pray to God” that if God will help them _______ they’ll never ______ again. It’s an illustration of human nature, proving that we all need help and sometimes it’s easier to look externally to find strength. Many turn to the Almighty which offers a never ending resource of strength and support. Religion promises to put like minded people in a room together to talk about their times of joy, and their hardships. Beyond the social support dynamic, the religious person is also offered a sense of solace while away from the group and draws upon it when they feel scared, alone, loose self confidence in their ability, or feel that something is totally out of their control. So they turn to their support system, perhaps pray, and in the end they search for aid, for answers, and for the strength to overcome their current obstacle.
But where do the rest of us go to draw upon this kind of support? If not God, who exists in our life to provide the kind of fortitude necessary to endure life’s challenges? Where is our guide? Where is our source of unwavering strength which we can look upon when needed and regain our self confidence and be reassured of victory over difficult times?
To your Ranger Bob, of course. Simplistic in outward appearance Ranger Bob is just that, a park ranger named Bob. But like the religions mentioned above, much more lies beneath the surface. I met Ranger Bob a few years ago. I don’t claim to know him well. But it’s clear from what I’ve seen and from what I’ve been told that he is a person who exudes the things we all need: wisdom, strength, camaraderie, and of course, unquestionable support. More than a single person, Ranger Bob is an idea. A much more earthly concept than Him, it’s an idea that in each of our lives there exists someone who offers aged advice, knows when to listen, and never doubts your ability. Like prayer, used in the right amount this person can offer you hope, return your self confidence, and help to show you the way through life’s sticky situations.
Also like prayer, I think our Ranger Bob’s can be abused. Sometimes we spend too much time drawing on their support and forget to acknowledge all they do for us. So make a mental note and if you haven’t thanked your Ranger Bob lately, it might be due time.
Happy 69th R.B.