I was not quite prepared for what had just been asked. I didn’t know whether to laugh as I reflected on the question posed. It was my first time meeting with this new friend who had reached out after coming across my website. This guy was in medical school and was curious about specifics concerning my physical status over the last nine years. Then he hit me with a curveball: “Is it weird being naked in front of random people like nurses?”

(I guess this is awkward placement for a visual…)

I hesitated. Come to think of it, the thought had barely crossed my mind in years. I’ve become so accustomed to others assisting me throughout my day that it had not dawned on me that someone might find my nakedness around others a bit unusual. It got me reflecting though on just how dependent I am on others.

I’ll admit, I’m not a huge fan of someone else dressing me, showering me, and feeding me.

I’m not thrilled with having the start of my day dictated on waiting for a nurse to arrive to help get me out of bed.

I don’t like the fact that all I can do is watch when it comes to Stephanie doing random house projects, running errands, or, as an example from this past week, doing something as simple as raking the leaves.

I simply hate having someone else make me food and do my laundry… Actually on second thought, I can definitely tolerate that one.

From getting into bed at night to a simple scratch of my nose, I am relying on those around me at all times. Having my independence ripped away from me in a split second was shocking at first. I may have gotten numb to some of it, but I wouldn’t say I have embraced it.

While I may not enjoy all of these scenarios, being in a position of dependence has taught me a valuable life lesson.

In “The Problem of Pain,” CS Lewis says, “Pain shatters the illusion that all is well, shatters the illusion that what we have, whether good or bad in itself, is our own and enough for us.” I would take that a step further and say that being dependent has shattered the illusion that I thought I could do it on my own in first place.

Sure, I could physically take care of myself and put my best foot forward to achieve what looked like success, but it was all a ruse. Could there possibly be a more delusional demographic than guys in their 20s? Independent. Self-sufficient. Self-made. All-knowing. Invincible. I had fallen into the trap. The truth is, I was oblivious to the fact that I was in need of a Savior. Had the path I stayed on continued, it would have been a nice comfortable life…But then what? What would my purpose have been? Would there have been any substance?

What does it look like to depend on God rather than try to do it all on my own? I believe the answer lies in the reality of where I am putting my hope. Is my hope in another person? A savings account? A job lining up? Is my hope in myself? If my hope is anywhere other than in God and who He says He is, I am ultimately going to wind up disappointed.

Jesus says to have faith like a child and to approach God as a father. I envision that as myself as a kid looking admiringly up at my dad. Although unable to do much to take care of myself, there was no question in my mind that “dad knew everything” and that I was safe with him. Most importantly, I had faith my dad was in control and I trusted him completely. As a result, I didn’t have to worry about anything.

(My dad and I finishing out the 80s in style)

While my circumstances may not be ideal, I want to take the opportunity to use my current dependence on others as a constant reminder of my ultimate dependence on God.

I never thought such a crucial lesson could come from being naked.

– –

To check out the latest video update: Click here

To connect via Facebook: Click here.

To follow Ryan’s journey via e-mail, click “follow” at the top of the page