Did anyone watch Oprah's Next Chapter with the rapper and musician known as 50 Cent? I don't usually watch many Oprah shows but for some reason found myself drawn to this one. I like some of 50 Cent's songs, although they are often very misogynous and foul-mouthed. He loves to use the N-word and calls most women "bitches and ho's". Not exactly something I find myself humming along to very often. Yet surprisingly he appears to be a very gentle person, almost as if his body inhabits two souls...one the foul-mouthed rapper known as 50 Cent and the other a soft-spoken, "never cusses in his grandma's house", doesn't drink or do drugs, spiritual and introspective man named Curtis Jackson. It was amazing to listen to his depth while answering Oprah's questions and then watch his alter-ego rapping on the big screen. Quite the dichotomy.
Anyway, he was discussing how he used to be afraid of flying and really how he handled fear in general when the most profound words came out of his mouth. He even gave Oprah one of her famous Ahh-Hahhh moments, something I'm sure is difficult to do.
Describing his fear of flying, he painted the scene of himself sitting in the leather-clad seat, dripping with sweat and praying to God to spare his life. As the flight continues, he never stops praying and squirms nervously in his chair for the remainder of the flight until he gratefully feels the plane come to halt on the tarmac. Apparently this went on for several years and dozens of flights before he suddenly realized the absurdity of his actions. From that point on, his mantra was to either "pray or worry, but don't do both." He broke it down into layman's terms perfectly when he said, "if you pray to God and then continue worrying about it, what are you saying to God? You're telling Him that you don't really have faith in the prayer you just offered Him so don't waste your time or His...either pray or worry, but don't do both."
That is such a simple quote but boy did it hit home for me. I think we are all famous for "doing both"....I know I am. I could lay down several excuses...it's hard not to worry...faith is wonderful but, .... But he's right, if you honestly have faith in something bigger than yourself, then say a prayer and trust in it. If you aren't much of a believer, then worry about the outcome and try to direct the problem to the best possible solution....but don't do both.
Amazing how such a simple phrase can carry such power. The next time you find yourself in a situation worth praying over, decide ahead of time if you'd rather put it in the hands of the Universe (God) or your own, and then believe in your decision....
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