Round Trip to Hell (Michigan): On Trust and Encountering God
“Set up road markers, put up signposts; Turn your attention to the highway, the road you walked” (Jeremiah 31:21).
Several years ago now, when my husband and I were living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we made an epic journey together to Hell and back. Now, I’m not trying to evoke a metaphor here to refer to a tumultuous time in our lives. Rather, I’m speaking about our trip to Hell, Michigan, a small and unconventional community in Livingston County. Whenever I think back to this trip, I am reminded of important life lessons on trust and encountering God in all circumstances.
Taking one step at a time, we can do hard things.
One sunny Saturday morning, my husband suggested we go for a scenic bike ride for the day. I agreed. Little did I know that he secretly had in mind a 62-mile loop to Hell and back. If I had known that was the planned route at the start of the outing, I would have never agreed to it. However, it’s truly amazing what we can get through by simply putting one foot in front of the other (or in this case, pedaling onward), and trusting. I like to feel in control and know with a certain degree of confidence what the outcome will be. That was not the case during this bike ride, and so it challenged me to think differently. Looking back, this journey serves as a reminder for me to be present in the moment, to trust in God and to (try) not worry about what comes next.
“If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’” (Matthew 6:30-31).
A unique place with lots of activities.
After that first trip to Hell by bike, we visited several other times (not necessarily by bike) for further exploration. Contrary to the assumptions that may be drawn given its namesake, Hell, Michigan is a quirky, fun-filled small town to visit. The beautiful outdoor setting is a lovely blessing that makes Livingston County a great place to participate in outdoor activities in all seasons and to spend time in the nature that we are called to be stewards of.
In the actual streets of Hell, there is an evident Halloween-like theme that is carefully and consistently upheld, from the decor and signage all the way to the building names. For instance, we enjoyed ice cream from the Crematory at Screams Souvenirs and a cold drink from Smitty’s Hell Saloon. In fact, couples can even get married in Hell’s Chapel of Love, as the town’s website notes, “After all, a marriage that begins in Hell has no place to go but up!”
Now, this article wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t acknowledge the elephant in the room: why would anyone name a town “Hell”? The short answer is that no one knows for sure. However, the longer answer is that there are a few theories floating around ranging from a lost-in-translation comment about the land from German-speaking visitors to a remark from the region’s first settler. Regardless of the true name origin story, the town became officially known as Hell in 1841.
Although I haven’t lived in Michigan for many years now, my trips to Hell still serve as useful reminders of the importance of trust when I encounter times of struggle. I work to worry less about tomorrow than about the present moment. If by chance you ever find yourself in the area, alone, with family or with friends, I think it’s worth stopping by to absorb the atmosphere and capture some photos.
Sarah Gagliano Taliun is a genetics professor with many interests in addition to studying DNA. She and her husband now call Montreal home. When she is not reading a scientific article or meeting with students, Sarah can be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, reading her Bible or taking a walk in nature.