With the wind at my back, I make my ascent up the Mountain of Life with my Lion King at my side. We enjoy one another’s companionship through the heat of the day and the cool of the night. Our hearts have become intertwined and with each passing day I feel more free and fully me.
Along the way, we encounter the entrance to a cave marked Fear. I hear the whispered hush of voices calling my name and drawing me in. I creep closer and closer to the cave. These voices seem to know me. They sound so familiar. I step in. Upon the cave’s walls, play various scenes of my life, some of which have already happened and some which are yet to happen…or will they happen? Whether the scenes are real or imaginary, it’s hard to tell. But one thing is for sure, I am reliving some of my worst moments and feel as though I am catching a glimpse of impending disaster. The voices sound cold yet soothing, harsh yet comforting…almost. The voices seem logical. They say they are there to help me prepare for the worst. They rattle off contingency plans and promise to help me build walls to protect myself from any pain heading my way. They tell me my hope and confidence rests in my ability to plan and prepare. They tell me to avoid risk and taking any chances. The voices that started as a whisper become deafening, as I tangibly feel the words they speak as a weight upon my shoulders. The weight of staring at a future where I am my sole protector and defender. The weight is unbearable.
Suddenly, I remember my Lion King, I have left him outside the cave. I have wandered out of his presence and been seduced by the voice of fear. I turn to look behind me, but I am surrounded by darkness. As if the mouth of the cave has sealed shut behind me, I find no escape. Shame settles in. Once again, I have fallen into fear’s trap and listened to its lies.
I cry out for my Lion King, my true protector. My voice, my true voice, reverberates off the walls of the cave. Suddenly, the walls begin to crack and crumble. Light filters in. The scenes that so held my attention fade away, as one final scene comes into view. I am looking at my Lion King and staring into His eyes of love. I feel His presence permeate and fill the cave, until I feel as though I am swimming in a pool of his mercy, grace and kindness towards me. The voices that screamed at me and taunted me are silenced and overpowered by His still small whisper. His Words are warm. They are life. They breathe hope. I hear him say, “I am with you.” The façade of fear continues to crumble and is eventually reduced to a pile of ashes. All around me I see beauty. I can see that my feet are firmly planted on the trail that continues upward through the mountains. What felt like an end to my journey is now clearly marked as one stop along the way.
I feel the gentle nudging of my Lion King prompting me forward. I turn to look at Him and am amazed by how His presence eradicates monuments of fear. I am learning that the more I allow love to fill my world the more fear subsides. I grow in confidence to continue onward, as I realize that love will meet me every step of the way.
