Riding Life's Ferris Wheel

By Chana Weisberg

Topics: Shema, Struggle, Challenge & Adversity, Fear; Awe, Faith; Belief in G-d, Bitachon

How do you find faith even in a moment of fear?

I said this short story once when I was lecturing. One of the participants asked, "With all due respect, are we meant to understand a spiritual lesson from a child being scared out of his wits?!"

But I don't think that the point of the story is the spiritual lesson that we gain, but rather the priceless gift that this young child received, in his moment of great fear.

High up on the ferris wheel, the child learned that at any moment of fear, at any moment of despair, at any moment of anxiety, he had a comforting Father who was with him, through it all, taking care of him. This eye-opening moment was an enduring gift that he would take with him throughout all his future life experiences.

No, none of us want those moments of fear, nor the rides up and down life's roller coasters. But if the gift that accompanies such a moment is the enduring, solid realization and faith that G‑d is with us through it all, holding our hands, wiping away our tears and taking care of us--we have all been infinitely enriched.

How do you find faith even in a moment of fear?

	By Chana Weisberg More articles... \|
	Chana Weisberg is a writer, editor and lecturer. She authored several books, including her latest, Tending the Garden: The Unique Gifts of the Jewish Woman. She has served as the dean of several women’s educational institutes, and lectures internationally on issues relating to women, faith, relationships and the Jewish soul.

The content on this page is copyrighted by the author, publisher and/or Chabad.org, and is produced by Chabad.org. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further, provided that you comply with the copyright policy.

Reader Comments
Latest Comments:

Posted: June 7, 2009

Such Wonderful Videos

These are such wonderful videos with Chana Weisberg in them. I am so glad that I somehow managed to stumble on to them. Maybe this is the real reason why I have spent so much time on the Internet, looking for something with meaning, such as these videos.

Posted By Raymond, Los Angeles, USA

Posted: May 18, 2009

Fear

So timely, because i have (and had) to go on a plane. I have a major fear of flying. So before the plane took off, i would recite Shemah. I would place my hand in Hashem's and even though i still felt afraid, i would remind myself that Hashem is always near.

Posted By shorty

Posted: May 11, 2009

Lag Bomer

Loved the message of G-d being with us on the special time, of counting days till we receive the Torah and celebrations.

Posted By Esther, Hallandale, Fl.

Posted: May 10, 2009

great story! I loved the message of compassion and faith learned from the young child. thank you.

Posted By dena