MAN UP!!!

Today I had the pleasure of serving a men's retreat at Shiloh.  Their theme for the weekend was "MAN UP!".  The group from out of state included two people who overcame some incredible obstacles.  The first man, who I'll call James, apparently was very intimidated by heights, and decided not to participate in any of the challenge activities based on the fact that the group would be ending with the Zip Line.  After the group did some games and "The Walk of Life" on the low ropes course, we sent the group on a quick bathroom break before we headed to the zip line.  When the other men returned, James came out with his camera to take some pictures of the guys flying through the air on the Zip Line.  As he headed over, I had the chance to ask him if he would be going for a ride and he adamantly insisted, "This isn't my thing...  really."

After nearly all of the other men had ridden, I asked to one of the last two gentlemen if there was any chance to get "the guy down there with the camera" to ride.  He promptly yelled down the hill, "Hey James! Wanna go?"  From all the way up the hill I could see that he was shaking his head exaggeratedly.  One more guy went down the zip line.  Suddenly I hear one of the men up by the launching point yelling, "Hey! James's coming!"  The group down bottom who were retrieving the pulley system after each ride convinced James that this was something that he couldn't afford to miss.

James nervously climbed the ladder.  

As his harness was checked his friends started chanting his name.

He leaped off of the tower and after just one moment of terror, his mouth shifted into a huge smile.

As I unhooked James from his harness I asked him how his ride was, and he simply said with a smirk, "It was great."

The second man that I wanted to talk about today we'll call Joe.  Joe required some extra instruction in almost everything we did today.  He required personal attention at almost every moment.  When we did the "Walk of Life" on the low ropes course, he was almost carried a substantial portion of the way.  And he required extra spotters when he got on and off of the zip line.  Despite all of this, Joe was an incredible inspiration.  Why?  Because Joe has cerebral palsy and is almost completely blind.

Joe had a great attitude.  He encouraged his fellow men.  He gave his fullest effort and didn't back down to ANY challenges that were presented to him today.  Before the "Walk of Life" he came to the other ropes facilitator (also named Tim) and somewhat bashfully asked, "Can I do this?"  

The answer came simply, "You might not be able to do it alone, but with some help you can definitely do it." 

He did it.

Joe needed some help with his balance (being blind makes it hard to balance... who knew?!?) and with finding his footing in a few areas (again, seeing where you are stepping is hard when you can't see where you are stepping...) but he did most of the work.  He held onto the trees and ropes.  He passed the ropes from one team mate to another.  He got in there and did it all!

When it came time for the Zip Line, there was no question of whether or not he was going to ride.  We got him hooked up in an extra special harness to make sure he didn't accidentally end up upside down and he jumped off of the ledge with no fear.  As I unhooked his harness he kept exclaiming how exciting it was that he went backwards (sometimes the ropes twist you around a bit and you end up going whichever way they send you) down the zip line!

For those of you like James, who might be afraid to take that first step - when God is speaking to you through his word, through his people, or maybe even directly through that still small voice - take that first step!  If you have to double check if it is safe: double check.  If you need to check with some trusted friends: check.  Do what you need to do to prepare, but start moving.  God has big plans for you, but you'll never get to be where he wants you if you are standing still.

And for those of you who may feel incapable, un-gifted, or different than everyone else, I encourage you to look to God for strength.  You are capable of incredible things, and with God's help you are capable of supernatural things.  Joe has lived a life full of challenges, but he looks to grow through new adventures and with a little help he did things that many healthy people blessed with their sense of sight never do.  I encourage you to allow God and others to help you on your journey through life.  You aren't alone, and you don't have to live your life like you are.

Today was a day for overcoming.  Today was a day to "Man Up!"  What are you doing today?