It had been our toughest year yet and we had a feeling life was going to get tougher. The challenge was, were we prepared to let go completely and trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God to catch us when we let go.
Tony’s favourite place to worship and pray was on the rock on our roof. He could look over onto the Doon Valley and down on jungle and forest. When we first moved in, it was a bare rock with a sheer drop on all sides. We were all upset when our landlord sent workers to build a cement wall around it. It looked so ugly and it lost its natural beauty.
For some reason, known only to God, Tony was clamouring around on the outside of the wall. He somehow lost his footing and slipped. He reached up and grabbed the wall, which hadn’t been there a few days before. It may have been ugly, but it saved his life.
During his time with God, he had the thought that living on the edge is not risky enough. It is only when we jump and live a life outside of our control that we are really fulfilled and satisfied.
When he told me about his experience, I wrote down some words, which he put into a song.
Off the Edge:
I’ve been living on the edge
Preparing to dive
Toes hanging over
Looking to the skies
I’ve cut all the ropes
The fall is steep
I’m tired of waiting
Almost falling asleep
Take me off the edge I’m willing to die
Holding your hand
Head held high
Achieving the impossible
You with me
Take me off the edge
I’m flying free
Arms outstretched
Sun in my eyes
Soaring with the eagles
Running through the skies
Secured by your love
Held by your hand
I’m living off the edge
I’m a free man
I remember hearing Tony preach on this – God spoke clearly to me through it and I’ve never forgotten the lessons learnt