The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown
I liked visiting faraway places, but I stressed over flying. As a white-knuckled passenger, I preferred to keep my feet on the ground. All heights scared me. Driving over tall bridges or riding skyscraper elevators to the top floors caused me to break out in a cold sweat. Even participating in fun activities like zip-lining or taking in breathtaking views from scenic overlooks produced as much anxiety as excitement. But flying took me to a new level of terror.
The sinking feeling in my stomach that night at the Atlanta airport in 2006 proved nothing had changed. I dreaded the long flight to London in the dark skies.
To distract myself until our ten o’clock departure, I people-watched from my seat with our carry-ons while my family browsed in a nearby shop.
Instead of soothing my nerves, the crowds and cacophony of sounds increased my stress as harried parents rushed by, pulling luggage and toting tired toddlers. Well-dressed business people stopped to grab coffees with bold aromas wafting my way. Nonstop announcements guided passengers to gates and called out departure times. Carts beeped, and travelers moved aside.
I remained agitated until a Delta agent escorted a young girl to sit near me.
“I’ll be right over there,” the gate agent said to her, pointing at the check-in counter within view. “We’ll be able to see each other at all times.”
“No worries,” the young girl responded, her eyes twinkling. “I’m excited to see my grandma in London.”
The girl and I chatted until the agent collected her for early boarding.
Allen and our daughter Meredith rejoined me to board the crowded jumbo jet.
Once inside the plane, we shuffled in the long queue to our designated seats in the center section.
I slid into my spot by Meredith, placing my tote bag under the seat in front of me. I buckled my seatbelt and twisted the air nozzle to combat the stuffy air. My routine kept me busy, but worry lurked under the surface.
I looked around, surprised to see my young friend across the aisle from me. We smiled and continued to get settled.
Soon, Meredith said, “Momma, my head hurts.”
She looked pale and drawn. Sweat beaded on her forehead. So, I secured sinus headache tablets for her with a glass of water, and she tried to rest.
Relaxation escaped me. When the lights flickered, I gripped the armrest with clammy hands and prepared for takeoff. I said a quick prayer as the plane gained speed, overhead bins shook, and we lifted into the air.
“Enjoy the lights of Atlanta’s beautiful skyline,” the captain said over the intercom. “It’s an 8-hour flight. We’ll be cruising at an altitude of 39,000 feet. We expect some turbulence, but sit back and relax. We’ve got this.”
After dinner, the movie couldn’t hold my attention. The eye mask made the unknown scarier when I tried to sleep.
My stomach clenched when the captain said, “Fasten your seatbelts. We’re in for a bumpy ride.”
As the pilot predicted, the plane rocked, bumped, and dipped as I held on.
Allen and Meredith seemed unaware. He never had trouble sleeping. Meredith’s headache tablet knocked her out, but she jerked awake when an overhead compartment popped open, and a bag struck the floor.
The commotion didn’t faze the flight attendant even though several passengers screamed. She grabbed the bag, heaved it into the compartment, and shut the door.
I remained agitated until the flight attendant came to check on my young friend.
“Everything OK?” she asked her.
“I’m fine and getting closer to seeing Grandma,” the young girl responded, shifting her gaze to me.
“Mom said there’s no need to be nervous. We should enjoy the experience because God is in control. He wouldn’t want us to miss this opportunity because we’re scared.”
I nodded.
“Your mom’s right,” I said. “It’s important to choose faith over fear and not miss out on opportunities, especially with family.”
Joshua 1:9 came to mind: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Like my new friend, I decided to turn it over to God. I wanted to experience other new places and create fun memories with family and friends.
I enjoyed many trips through the years because I listened to a young girl who trusted God.
She helped me realize fear depends on our belief in a negative outcome. It’s expecting the worst, and the worst rarely happens. We can stay home on the off chance something awful might occur, or we can go and embrace life, knowing God is with us wherever we go. He is in control even when there’s turbulence. He won’t let us fall.
Debra Brown’s motto is “Be the Spark.” She has a passion for family, her 3 cats, flowers, pretty food, and health & wellness. Debra is an author, UGA honors graduate/The Citadel MBA.