Navigating Our Fractured WorldSample

As we make our slow ascent toward the summit, we may encounter an unavoidable crevasse. Hiking around it isn’t an option, as the surrounding high cliffs are avalanche-prone and could collapse at any moment. Rappelling into the crevasse is equally risky due to its depth and the instability of the ice walls, making it nearly impossible to climb back out. This leaves two choices: accept the impassable barrier and turn back or devise a way to safely bridge the divisive gap.

On Mount Everest, climbers face more than 20 such crevasses on the lower route through the Khumbu Icefall. To overcome these, multiple aluminum ladders are tied together and anchored on both sides of the icy void. One by one, climbers carefully cross these precarious ladders to reach the other side and continue their climb. These makeshift bridges allow climbers to traverse otherwise deadly obstacles, enabling them to coexist with the mountain’s divisions. Summoning the courage to cross the daunting ladders of the Khumbu Icefall is a necessary and vulnerable step toward the ultimate goal of reaching the summit.

Similarly, we are called to walk out our faith among divisive people. In John 17:15-16, Jesus emphasizes that while we are not of this world, we are sent into it to stand firm in our Christian faith. Others may be misguided by trauma, experiences, or external influences, but our role is not to judge. Instead, we are called to courageously witness to God’s children. Remember, He loves those who are different, divisive or have caused you pain just as much as He loves you. He created all people and loves them equally.

Since repetition reinforces understanding, let me once again remind you of Jesus’ command in Matthew 22:36-39: to love the Lord our God with all our heart and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Keep moving forward, one step at a time, and choose to love others unconditionally, even when it feels difficult or undeserved. Just as the climber must bridge a deadly crevasse to continue their ascent, we must bridge the gaps in relationships with courage, grace, and faith.

Discussion Questions:

Do you believe that God loves everyone on earth equally?

Pray for the wisdom, guidance, and courage to walk this fractured world with every person God created and to love others unconditionally.

Brian Dickinson’s miracle on Mount Everest and untold stories of heroic rescues are captured in his bestselling books, Blind Descent and Calm in the Chaos. To learn more about these books and for other resources visit https://briandickinson.net/