Adrenaline

Adrenaline. It’s a hormone that enables us to respond to potentially threatening situations, that puts us in a heightened state of readiness.

Adrenaline sports are essentially those with a level of perceived risk (though it’s football and running that have given me injuries!) This weekend has been 60@60 adrenaline weekend where I first of all did White Water rafting then England’s longest zipwire. As I said in my last blog, out of my comfort zone!

Above the first rapids

At the back of the boat…

The White Water rafting was on the course used in the 2012 Olympics though there were no cheering crowds or gold medal for me! But I’m happy to say that I never fell out of the boat though two of the crew did. Going down the actual full course was a bit scary (especially first time), bumpy but really exhilarating. Less good were the sessions where we had to spend time going round and round within individual rapids being battered by the water to the point the raft nearly sinks. I was getting travel sick by the end and had consumed a lot of chlorinated water! You have to learn when to paddle, lean left, right, forward or duck down or you get thrown in and under! Following instructions is key.

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All trussed up and ready to fly

The flight-I’m the one on the left, closest to the cliff wall

The Zipwire at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent has only been open a fortnight and is England’s longest at over 700 metres. I must admit that I had been a bit queasy about the thought of doing this as I don’t like heights (driving over Dartford bridge gives me mild palpitations though I’m OK as a passenger). Watching people being trussed up at the top of the tower while waiting, with one lady obviously terrified, was the worst bit. But when it came to my turn to be hooked onto the wire I really sensed a peace that was not my own, despite being suspended looking over the edge. The actual ride though was amazing and so so good, despite only lasting a minute.

Adrenaline. It’s what produces the “fight or flight” response within us. Will we face the consequences of what we fear or will we run from them? For me, it was stepping off dry ground to enjoy myself. For many Christians around the world, adrenaline is what comes when extremists or even your own family, threaten you, beat you, dispossess you. The adrenaline comes because there is a very real, existential threat to your life. Extreme Hindus in India are seeking to prevent all minority groups, including Christians and Muslims, from practicing their faith. Some high ranking members of groups aligned to the ruling party seek to “cleanse” the country of Christians by the end of this year. I was shocked this week to hear that it is common for attacks on Christians to be posted on social media by these vigilantes, who often have links to to senior politicians, to show how committed they are. You can find out more about it below in this Report from the London School of Economics commissioned by Open Doors and presented to MP’s this week. Many believers attest to God’s peace at these terrifying times and show great bravery in staying in their villages but for others the only option is to flee.

https://media.opendoorsuk.org/document/pdf/Destructive%20Lies-Executive-Summary.pdf?_ga=2.132510990.1670002542.1625408661-1881754475.1625408661

How do you respond when faced with danger, real or perceived? What can you do to help those who face it every day? £60 will pay the medical costs of an Indian who has been beaten for their faith and help with Covid relief.

https://justgiving.com/fundraising/adriansmith6060

Thanks for your continuing interest and support.