Climbing has been a major part of my life for the past nine years. As a single mom, there wasn’t the time or money to invest in myself. When my son left for the marine corps, I started looking for a new adventure. As a result, I joined a local climbing gym.
At that time, I was overweight, suffering from chronic pain, and generally unhealthy. I also battled with years of depression. My body was so tight that I could barely lift my leg to place it on the wall. I wasn’t sure why at the time, but I loved climbing, even when I could barely move. Overcoming the struggle to the top was somehow satisfying and empowering.
Eventually, with a lot of determination, practice, and persistence, I began losing weight and became overall healthier. While the pain never went away, I found relief from the strength building and stretching climbing offered. I would sometimes crawl into the gym, hurting and exhausted from a long day at the office. Within 10 minutes of climbing, those amazing endorphins kicked in. My body loosened up, the pain was gone, and my energy had increased. I noticed I never left the gym the same as when I had walked in.
Stepping outside my comfort zone allowed me to heal from past hurts and see myself in a whole new light. I felt stronger both inside and out. Unexpectedly, my depression also subsided, and I began to live again. Overcoming the challenge on the rock seemed to help me with overcoming the pain both in my body, and my mind. These unexpected benefits were an amazing blessing in my life. Recognizing how God was using climbing to bring me healing turned my heart towards Him in a much deeper way. My relationship with Christ, and my dependence on Him blossomed.
Climbing was not the only way God brought healing to my life. Even more than climbing, allowing God to use me to help others has brought insurmountable healing and joy. One example was running a single moms\single women bible study years ago. Another was teaching homeless single moms computer skills at a transitional housing facility. Of course, there was the calling to start a women’s rock climbing ministry in a town where I hardly knew anyone. Obeying God’s calling on my life has usually been way outside my comfort zone. But, just like with rock climbing, serving has brought many unexpected benefits.
As I have acted in obedience and stepped outside of my own struggles, I have found an abundance of joy through watching others find healing. Years ago, I began to realize that every time I allowed God to work through me to reach others, a little piece of my own heart was healed. Every time I helped someone understand their value in Christ, my own feelings of value increased.
There are things that you have experienced that equip you with empathy for someone going through the exact same trial. Sometimes, you may be the only person who can understand and know what to say. You may be the only person that can walk alongside them and bring comfort.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
It is in these times that the person you are helping is not the only beneficiary. The unexpected outcome will come when you feel the blessing and healing as well. Helping someone find joy, overflows you with joy. This is much like those amazing endorphins you find when you finally redpoint that really difficult climb. You cannot feel sad, or wallow in your own inward trials, when you are looking outward with a passion to impact the lives of others.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works – Hebrews 10:23 – 24
Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed 11:25
I want to encourage you in two areas this Summer. First, I want you to conquer your fears and make it to the top. I want you to see what you are made of, feel stronger, healthier and full of life. My hope is you will also discover what God has in store for you through the process.
Secondly, I want this journey to give you the confidence to heed God’s calling in your life and impact the lives of others. Each of us have a story to tell, along with talents that can be used by God for His good purposes. Whatever your story, I promise that you will find an abundance of blessing when you step outside your comfort zone and heed to God’s calling in your life.
…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3