Take the Plunge!
By: Susan Deborah Schiller
It was the perfect day. Paddling down the Tongue River, the rez on the left, quiet ranches on the right. We had been canoeing all day and had not seen a single human being or heard anything other than ducks splashing, great blue herons swooping, and beavers diving.
The Tongue is a snaky kind of river and it bends and twists on itself throughout its length. Every few yards is a new bend and whole new sights.
Around one bend we saw two horses, drinking in the shallow water. Silently, we let the current take us, hoping to get a better view. On the right we saw a small herd of horses, each one's head peeping above the brush, ears perked straight up, eyes glued to the newcomers – us.
With curiousity, they continued to stare at the strangers invading their turf. Then suddenly the ground began to shake and the thunder of hundreds of hooves shattered the silence. Unseen to us, on the other side of the river the rest of the herd had taken flight and the horses we had spotted began to gallop across the river, taking the plunge, and digging their hooves in to climb the steep bank.
I just happened to have my camera and shot this picture quickly. On the left is a horse who has frozen in mid-stream. I can only imagine what she is thinking. "Look how great my sisters and brothers are! They're hooves are so strong, they're practically leaping up the bank! Can I make it?
Spellbound, we continued watching as each horse sped up the slippery bank. Even a young filly galloped up the hill. The thunderous stampede soon stopped and a dozen or horses turned around. Watching us curiously, they stood on the bank as we floated downstream.
We're stronger as a team.
Some of us are out in the lead, digging deep into the slippery banks. Others are frozen in mid-stream, wondering if we can ever get the courage to ride hard and strong. While yet others are watching from behind, depending on us to show the way.
You have a voice. Your unfolding story is needed.
Today I listened as two incredibly intelligent and gifted women confessed they have lost their "brave". These are women I look UP to!
It appears to not matter how successful we are, the old doubts and fears do us still haunt.
So if you've lost your courage, and you fear to risk exposure, and explore the unknown. Know you're in good company. Take the plunge anyway. Dare to fail, to fall, to flop.
Because the ones who are watching you, are of you, afraid.
So be real. Be you. Risk vulnerability. Dare to be brave.
Your story is needed. Your voice is one of a kind.
You're a thread the Master is weaving, in this creation, His masterpiece.
And He's wild about YOU!
Sue
Susan Schiller knows how it feels to lose everything: marriage and family, church and reputation, finances and businesses, and more. Susan's upcoming, interactive memoir, "On the Way Home," tells the story of how she came to be known as "the most abused woman" her counselors had yet met and how she learned to navigate her way out of hell to a rich and satisfying life. In her lifetime, Susan has served in duties ranging from home school mom – to pastor – to full-time deliverance minister – and to Midwest regional prayer coordinator for a large international ministry. These days you can usually find Susan soaking in her favorite hot springs pool, reading a book (or several), blogging, baking bread, or hanging out with her family and friends. You can get a free copy of Susan's upcoming book, "On the Way Home" by registering here.
Copyright 2013, Susan Schiller, http://TeamFamilyOnline.com. For reprint permission for any commercial use, in any form of media, please contact Susan Schiller.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great post and just at the right time for me.
I have been struggling in the last few years with belief / faith. I made that my word for 2014 and although I feel happy with my progress so far: Doubs started creeping in about the path I've decided to take and believe in.
As you said, even successful people have doubts. We just have to keep fighting them, all of us, those successful and those on the road to success.
Great post, thank you again.
Hi Liliana – we both share the same word for 2014!
I wonder, since whatever we focus on grows stronger and magnifies, perhaps we should not fight the doubts or other negative feelings. Maybe we should give them a time limit, instead… not deny the reality of our interior world, but give it expression, too… but with a time limit. Brennan Manning taught me this, in one of his books.
It makes so much sense, and it works. The doubts have begun receding.
Let’s keep sharing stories… I’m looking forward to 2014’s unfolding!
Great post and great encouragement for all! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Vanessa 🙂