“You want me to climb that?” Stina leaned her head back farther. The mountain’s peak stood sentinel against the wakening skyline. “You have to remember how new I am at this stuff.”
Ginger continued fixing straps together around Stina as if the words hadn’t registered.
“I need you to hear me.” Stina shook Ginger’s shoulder. “You know better than anyone … I’ve never climbed anything like that before.” Her breath caught on the last few words. “And it’s still dark.” What was she thinking?
After a few more tugs on the fastenings, Ginger straightened and glanced over Stina’s shoulder. “Look. The sun’s already cresting. You know this but I’ll say it anyway, Josh and I have led these climbing expeditions many times before. We’ve never had a single person fall … at least not anyone who listened to us.” She chuckled.
“Not funny. I may be the first.” Stina peaked back at the eerie mountain behind her.
Ginger placed her hands on Stina’s arms. “Listen closely. You’ve taken classes. You’ve practiced at the climbing gym. You’ve literally learned all the ropes. You’re ready. There are ten of us facing this mountain today. Everyone with varying degrees of experience and desire. You can and will ascend as high as you want. Climbers will stop at different levels, and there is a guide with each novice.”
Stina pulled her hand across her brow, then wiped the dampness down her leggings.
“Think about why you wanted to do this in the first place, Stina.” Ginger lowered her head for a moment before lifting it. “Remember after my dad died and I was too scared to do more than sit at home in the dark?”
Stina offered a slight nod.
“What you did during that time was worth more to me than anything imaginable. You sat with me, cried with me, made sure I ate, and took care of me until I could get back into life, and then you gently pushed me to do it.” Ginger wrapped her arm around Stina. “You went from simply being my cousin to my best friend. Now, it’s my turn to do the same for you, and it’s your turn to face your fear. God’s got you. He’s not going to let go of you any more than I am. I will have you locked in with me at every step before you take the next one.”
Stina watched Ginger’s gentle eyes and whispered, “Just like God.”
Ginger winked. “Trust Him and follow me. We’ve both been this way before. We each have to step out, step up, and climb the mountain to fully see all He has for us.” She tapped Stina on the shoulder, pulled on her own belt as a smile spread from her lips to the outside of her eyes.
“I hate it when you use my own words against me,” Stina smirked.
“Ready?” Ginger’s smile pushed her cheeks higher.
Stina drew in a steadying breath, pulled her shoulders back, and raised her chin. “Let’s go.”
Together, they turned and headed to join the group at the base of Superstition Mountain.
Stina looked around. It was a great day for a climb. She leaned her head back again. “All right, God, You and me.”
Photo credit: Used with permission
Perfect example of the difficulty in turning our fears over to God!
Thank you, Tom. We all have mountains whether they are fear or something else. The difficulty is in either facing it, climbing it, or releasing it.
Great read Susan. Lessons of friendship and trusting Him as we face adversity.
Thank you, Dee. It’s nice to “see” you here. Thank you for your comments.