We All Have to Believe in Something, Don't We?

      Never in my life did I ever expect to find myself in the state of Arizona, especially being a girl from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I've always had a kindred spirit and a yearning to travel, but little time or resources to do so. Therefore, I have not embarked much further from the City of Brotherly Love except for an impromptu trip to North Carolina a few years ago and my family adventures into New York City and the Jersey Shore when I was younger.  So when my fiance and I radically decided to jump on my first ever plane ride to Arizona with only a day's notice, I didn't think the people there would quite "get" me.  That flight led us to the quaint, yet whimsical  town of Bisbee.  See, I describe myself as "a little hippy, a little hood".  I am from Philly after all, so that's where the "hood" part of me comes from.  The "hippy" part, I'm told it's in my soul.  I am a horse of a different color, so to say, no doubt about that!      

      My fiance had told me all about the little town of Bisbee, Arizona about a year prior to all of this happening. He used to live fairly close a few years ago to help take care of his Aunt who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease. I was told that I would absolutely love it there and that I would fit right in. From seeing pictures, I could agree that my "hippy" side would be drawn to such a charming town. If the "hood" side was revealed, I'm pretty sure I would be exiled! After all, even the people from Philly could NOT handle my "Philly attitude", so how is this place supposed to?! I was about to find out. Lucky for me, and everyone sitting in my general vicinity, I was too distracted by the fact that this all was happening that I didn't even have time to have an actual panic attack. I guess that was one of the benefits of jumping on a last minute flight across the entire United States. You always have to look for that silver lining because everything happens for a reason. 

     The plane ride there was probably the coolest thing I've experienced in my life. I had never flown anywhere before. I wasn't nervous at all though. I was probably way too overly excited for the other passengers, but what's the point of life if you can't enjoy it, right? Besides, have you ever been on an airplane around Christmas?! It is one of the prettiest sights you will ever see. I highly recommend everyone does this at least once in their lifetime. I took the natural, breathtakingly beautiful experience as a sign that maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad after all. Maybe, I should let go of my anxieties and believe that a greater power will guide us through this trip. However, the unknown has always been an issue for me. Nonetheless, I was on a plane headed to Arizona regardless of my feelings about the uncertainty of what will be.

      To my surprise entering Bisbee, I felt a sense of calmness come over me.  Looking at the people in this small town, I could tell they weren't at all like any I've ever met before.  Those in which society would call "bums" were the most accepting of all!  We encountered many wonderful souls in this old, historic town; an old spirit, "Eyepatch Dave", another free spirit (whom I cannot recall his name), a heartwarmingly friendly, elder, homeless couple, and a lovely, older woman who offered us fresh fruit and vegetables free of charge.  The kindness of these so-called "vagrants" in this town was relieving.  Definitely not something you see in my neck of the woods.  That's for sure!

      There was one man that I saw while entering this so-called haunted town that I was drawn to immediately.  He was the first person I saw there and greeted me with a huge smile in exchange to my head nod.  There was something different about this vibrant, yet gentle, vagabond.  I just couldn't put my finger on what it was yet.  However,  I was determined to find out.  I was so intrigued by this man that I even made my fiance inquisitive too.  We just had to know more about him. 

      Throughout our time in Bisbee, we continuously crossed paths with this man.  Every time he had a new, eccentric vibe; a makeshift walking stick, a homemade "crown of thorns", a painting of Jesus hanging from his back, or he would be wearing a priest's collar.  He would also "Bless" us during every encounter and even performed a little dance for us in the city park.  I believe he has a lot to teach people.  Almost like a modern day prophet.  Funny, all my life I was taught about a prophet who walked the Earth among us many, many years ago.  They called Him Jesus.  Jesus Christ is what He is most referred to as.  Now this may sound a bit absurd, but could this be the Bisbee Jesus?  If Jesus is among us again, this man may just be Him. After all, who are we to say it's not?!

      In this crazy, COVID infested world, it's nice to believe in something besides all the bad.  The Bisbee Jesus gave me that credence that I desperately needed.  He also made being across the country from everyone we know and love a little less stressful.  Being away from everyone and everything you know, except one person, is extremely stressful during the holiday season with Christmas about a week away.  Christmas Day is the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  Well, that's quite coincidental...or is it?  

      We are told Jesus is everywhere.  If He is among us once again, it would make sense.  The way the world is going, He could "show up" at any time, right?  They say it's happened before.  Today's society, riddled by unrest and uncertainty, could use a symbol of hope to light the way.  Maybe it's the time of the year that made me believe there's more than mental illness in this man, or maybe, just maybe, Jesus lives in Bisbee, Arizona.