I have studied, I am confident. I am so ready for this. I hear the plane humming; it’s a roar in my ears. My chute is buckled and my helmet is mashed firmly on my head. I take a big swallow and head for the door.
Wait my guide says. You won’t need that. He points to my helmet. I unbuckle it and had it to him. Oh and give me that too, he points to my parachute. Take that off too, it won’t be necessary. Wait, no safety equipment? No, my guide says, you will do this on your own.
My heart pounds. But I head to the door and feel the wind on my face. A black arm snakes around my waist. I hear my ugly words in an evil voice. You will fail. You aren’t ready. You aren’t worthy. Who let him up here? I really don’t need this right now. Please Jesus get this clown away from me. The arm dissipates and turns to dust and it is gone.
I edge closer to the door. My dusty white Reboks are to the edge. I feel the wind very strong now; my hair is whipping in my face. My clothes make a snapping sound in the wind. I look for my guide and he is gone. I can’t see the pilot, but someone is flying the plane. I hold my hands on either side of the door and lean out. The force of the wind is incredible. I look down and see nothing, not sky or clouds, just a vast space.
My toes are past the door and my heels are all that is left on the plane. I let go and spread my arms. “Lord bless me. Keep me from evil. I am Yours.”
