Jake Bugg joins us for Breakfast

Pause for Thought

From Rev Rob Gillion, Rector of Holy Trinity Church and St Saviours.

Fears and phobias are on my mind this morning - and the need to overcome them as they can seriously limit your journey in life. I have been in New York all last week sharing with churches our ministry with young people from inner city London, and how much of the hooded inner city street culture is the result of fear. We all have our fears and phobias. One of my challenges has been air travel, so my trip to New York last week and return would have caused me considerable trauma in the past.

However I have had some help, support and advice. I used to have a parish in Hong Kong and I had one or two pilots in the church. Greg knew I had a phobia for flying so arranged to be the pilot on one of my flights home and put me in business class - then later he arranged for me to fly a 777 in a simulator with him as co- pilot.

In control with a co- pilot I knew was the formula I needed to overcome my fears. We flew the plane through storms and turbulence and landed safely at the old Hong Kong airport through the high rise flats. I was overjoyed and cheered myself, until the firm voice of my co-pilot was heard saying ' Brakes Rob, brakes!! Just as well I was in a simulator.

For me it is the analogy of my flight of faith. My co-pilot is Christ, and I have got to know him so well that have put my trust in him to guide me through the turbulence of life and have put my trust in him in all my troubles.

We always need someone to support us overcome our fears.

Now the first thing I do as I board plane is take a look at the pilot and if possible introduce myself and get his name. I always wear my dog collar as it helps me to pray.