SOS! Yesterday, AT&T experienced a nationwide “network outage” with their service to customers. This isn’t the first-time large technology companies have had to deal with similar interruptions. Meta (formerly Facebook) also had a bout with similar in 2021. Each company worked diligently to restore service but more importantly, trust with their clientele.
Today, AT&T customers noticed that their phones were stuck in SOS mode. “SOS mode, a status that can be seen in the upper right corner of an iPhone, signals that a connection is poor. If a user is connected to the internet, they should still be able to use their phone to browse online. However, that designation means that only emergency calls or texts can be completed.” (Time Magazine Online, February 22nd, 2024, Burga)
This phenomenon got me thinking – if these behemoth technological icons of our era are susceptible to problems of this nature, how much so are our very souls? I consistently find myself stuck in a similar SOS mode, which becomes incarnational in my prayers. As irony has it, SOS is internationally recognized as “Save Our Souls” or “Save Our Ship” because of maritime use. When our souls are stuck in SOS mode, we search for help – or we should search for help. It’s the should aspect of our will that typically keeps us imperiled for far too long.
Fortunately, we who are believers in the soul-saving work of the cross of Jesus, have the very power of the one who created our souls to enact the saving. Notice that the shortened form isn’t SMS (which is another ironic funny that I’ll save for another day) but is SOS. We live in community. OUR souls not MY soul is typically the distress. Likewise, when we experience peril individually, we have a community on which we can call – the body of believers.
Thank you, Sharp Spiritual Direction, for addressing the important topic of feeling stuck in the SOS mode. Your blog provides valuable insights and guidance for navigating challenging times.