The area in and around my town of Colorado Springs overflows with scenic wonders, and one in particular is either breathtaking or evil, depending on your view. It’s known as the Incline, a straight up and down, no switchbacks trail that’s nearly a mile long with grades as steep as 68%. The altitude at its beginning is 6,500 feet above sea level and by the end reaches over 8,500 feet above sea level.
Hiking the Incline is something many tourists and locals alike want to check off their bucket list. So when friends of ours invited us to join them in climbing it, we were game to play. How bad could it really be? I thought to myself. Besides, I love being outdoors and soaking up some of Colorado’s abundant natural beauty.
So on that cool, crisp morning as the kids and I approached the turn off for the Incline from Highway 24, my son James says from the backseat, “Hey mom! Is that the Incline trail up ahead?”
I look over to where he is pointing and see this towering mountain with a sliver of brown trickling down one side. My answer to this child was downright incredulous:
“James, James, James. Don’t be ridiculous! Of course that’s not it! That mountain is waaay too big to climb without switchbacks. I’m sure we’ll find it when we get a little closer.”
After we wind our way through streets between quaint businesses and shops, we find a place to park and ask a college-age hiker for directions to the Incline. He smiles and tosses his thumb over his shoulder. I follow his line of direction to see indeed, my James had been spot on with his earlier question.
I swallow hard and then grab James’ shoulder,
“Son, it looks like I owe you a little apology.”
He grins.
“I just kneeew that was it, mama.”
I didn’t know what I was thinking to attempt this.
Soon we met up with our friends and start the slow trek upward by climbing steps made of railroad ties that cling to the side of the mountain. Much of the trail is beyond difficult, requiring the use of your hands as much as your feet to crawl. It doesn’t take long for me to fall well behind the rest of my pack, which was fine since it saved me the embarrassment of breathing like I had a serious lung condition in their presence.
Now, here’s where I know you’re expecting a nice little cliché parallel comparing climbing mountains to overcoming insurmountable odds. Nope, that’s not what I’m offering today.
Did I make it to the top? Yes, about an hour and a half after I started.
About an hour and 15 minutes after I looked at how far I still had to go, called up to my good friend Rebecca and said,”I don’t think I can do this.”
About an hour after I leaned against a boulder next to the trail and texted my husband at work the words, “I need to tell you I love you because I’m gonna die.”
About 45 minutes after my kids reached the top.
But I made it just the same, because of one reason:
I gave up. Yep, I gave up over and over so I wouldn’t give out.
I stopped no less than 374 times to rest against a rock, heave some barely there oxygen, and guzzle my water. And while those things helped me refuel, they aren’t what pushed me most toward the top. Every time I stopped, I’d turn around and focus on how far I’d come, not how far I had left to go. And after sitting for a few minutes, I would turn back around and begin the climb once again while chanting I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
And as I finally climbed the last of the 2,740ish steps, I was greeted by my children and friends’ exuberant scene-making cheers. It was humbling and embarrassing and totally thrilling.
Yes, sometimes we overcome something keeping pace one step at a time. But sometimes we overcome it by giving up – even if just for a bit – first. We give up the idea that we can do it on our own and we hold onto the truth that we can do all things because of Christ in us. We give up by taking a moment to rest and remember how far God’s taken us.
I don’t know what difficult circumstance or trial towers before you today. But if you need to give up, do. Take a break, a rest, a stop. Sometimes it’s the right choice. Do it just long enough to turn around and take in the view of how far you’ve come rather than scold yourself for how far you have still to go.
Don’t give up for good, just give up long enough to do yourself some good.
And then when you get to the top, we’ll be there making a scene with the Father, cheering you on in exuberant style.
What are some ways you give up so you don’t give out? (Email and RSS readers, share your wisdom here?)
Kristen Strong, cheering for you at Chasing Blue Skies
Leave a Comment
Ruth says
Wow! Well done 🙂 totally in awe of your achievement and especially the way you did it.
I am ashamed to admit that my recurring mountain to climb is church. Don’t get me wrong I’m thrilled to be part of the Body of Christ and I love the expression of church I’m a part of and most times Sunday mornings are the highlight of my week. It’s just that every now and again I don’t want to be there. I don’t want to be real. I don’t want to be known. I feel like I’m suffocating.
When that happens I take a week out. I text my friends to pray for me. I go take a walk in the park. I talk with the Lord and allow Him to reassure me. During the week I stay in contact with understanding friends. The following Sunday I arrive late, I hang around at the back and leave early…. I’ve made it back! Sometimes I need a few weeks off, or a few weeks of altered hours.
I once heard an alternative version of Psalm 23 “The Lord is my pace setter, I shall not rush, He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals, He restores my soul.” I cling on to my Good Shepherd in those dark times of withdrawal and when I can no loger cling I know He is holding me.
xx
Kristen Strong says
Thank you for sharing so honestly here, Ruth. And thank you for sharing that jewel of a verse! Is that from the Message translation? Oh how I love it.
Endlessly grateful for you and your words here today…
Amy Hunt says
This is such a good perspective, Kristen. I’m in a place where I am giving up my trying and it’s so good because it’s the realization that I cannot make things be as I want them to be. When we get to the bottom of ourselves we have no where to go but to Him, and if it’s His will He will give us strength. Quitting ourselves is essential to SEE the strength He gives us. YES!
(I was just in Colorado Springs last month and had time to visit friends . . . and I’m so sad that I didn’t realize/remember you live there!)
Kristen Strong says
Waving to you, Amy!
“Quitting ourselves is essential to SEE the strength He gives us.” ~ I love this because it reminds me that Jesus always is what we are not. I want to see this and know this more and more.
Thank you for your perspective here, friend. xo
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Kristen,
I love the alternative version of Psalm 23 that Ruth shared…sometimes I defeat myself by thinking that I have to rush into things, completing them in a record setting fashion. I’ve learned with coaching, that sometimes I need to pause – or even stop and take a break for awhile so that I can start back in with renewed energy. If Jesus needed to take time to go away and pray and take a break, how much more so do I need to do that. Thanks for a wonderful post!
Love and ((hugs)),
Bev
Kristen Strong says
Exaaaaactly, Bev. Exactly to everything you said.
I love you so much, friend. A warm hug from me to you on this chilly day!
Wendy says
Love, love, love this…thank you! This really was something I needed to read – so encouraging.
Marni says
Wow! What a refreshing perspective shift! Thank you!
I am learning this very lesson as I stretch myself in my workout endeavor. I am absolutely not able to do it like everyone else who is further down the fitness trail than me…but in those moments I take for rest as I feel nausea seek to take over because my heart rate has spiked, I look back for just a moment and realize: “Look how far I have come in 3 months! I must keep going!” Once I shake it off, I pick myself back up and keep moving forward.
Thank you for this confirming reminder that I am definitely in the right mindset toward my goal of health and strength!
P.S. Phil 4:13 is what I find myself mentally – and often times, verbally – speaking to myself when it hurts the most! We can do ALL things through Christ who is our strength! Yes!
Kristen Strong says
Ah Marni, your comment makes me want to jump through the screen and hug you silly. Praying Philippians 4:13 with you, sister!
Shannon says
I can so relate! As part of a leadership group we faced a physical challenge course last fall. Each portion was done as a group, but this past middle-aged, overweight, out of shape grandmother was frightened and lacked trust in herself. As the weekend progressed, I became more confident, more trusting of my group to help when I was weak. They trusted me to help them as well! Every single one of us completed the entire course and left more confident in ourselves and one another. I conquered fear and “the wall” that weekend! My word for 2014 is Conquer, because with faith in God and belief in myself, I can do all things.
Kristen Strong says
I love this story, Shannon. Thank you so much for sharing it here! xo
Marty says
LOVE this!
Katherine says
Thank you so much for another perspective to think about as we go through our trials in life. I like the concept that if things get too hard, stop, take a break and see how far the Lord has taken you and sometimes you just need to rest to take in all the learning of the new lesson taught in life.
Kathy says
Reading this article and the responses has shown me that I am not alone. I relate to what Ruth said. I was laid off five months ago, I am single and in my late fifties and am at the end of my finances. At times I have been so lost in this journeys as I am separated from my family for my beliefs, that I have pulled away from God, due to unbelievable fear. I been having trouble coping, and so I don’t cope, I withdraw.
When I have gotten so low or so scared, I have reached out to our Lord Jesus and ask him to carry me for I do not have the strength or courage to carry on. I recite PHI 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This passage and several others have gotten me through my dark times as the beautiful women In Christ I have met on my journey. They are my encouragement and the ones I can lean on for support and help.
I thank “In Courage” for these uplifting and encouraging stories.
Blessings
Kathy
Kim says
Kathy, I hope and pray you will pull through the difficult times you face. Please hang in there and better days have go to be ahead for you.
Angela Wachendorf says
Praying for you Kathy. My heart goes out to you….
Audrey says
Thank you for sharing your triumph. I’m jealous a bit over that beautiful view you enjoy there. This was exactly what I needed to hear today. I have been struggling with trials for years and I end up feeling so overwhelmed and just plain tired of being strong and positive. I agree with you that it’s ok to temporarily give up and let God take over.
Alicia Turner Beard says
This is such an encouragement to me. Recently, I have several times where I have “given up.” I know now in those moments to show myself grace, look at how far I have come, and gear up for the next steps. Thanks for sharing your journey with honesty.
May God bless you with strength to keep moving forward and grace for those moments when you “give up.”
Kristen Strong says
Alicia, you remind me to see this type of giving up as “grace stops.” Thank YOU…for this and for your beautiful blessing. Much love to you!
Sandy Renaud says
Thank you so much for that wonderful story! It was exactly what I needed to hear this morning!! It’s given me fresh courage to keep going as I ‘give it all up’ to the Lord and ‘rest in Him and keep going’!!!
Bless you for sharing the ‘insight’ the Lord gave you!!! Loved it!!!
Blessings on you,
Sandy
karyn says
I’m a never give up person. I just get right back up and continue on. Wow. That was a high hike. Used to do these as a teen and then as an adult. I love climbing to the top of a mountain. Takes the breath away though the height.
I just don’t give up. 🙂
Kim says
What a wonderful post. Thank you.
I used to think I had to be busy, busy all day – lie down? I don’t think so!
Now, I’ve just started to realize that ‘giving up’, for me, means getting OFF the computer, putting the books and phone and dvds away, going up to my beautiful bedroom and just laying there, in silence, opening my mind up to the peace. Not sleeping (though if I do sleep, that’s good, too). Just trying to think positive thoughts and of God and prayers and everything good in my life.
Danyalle says
Oh how I needed this today. I was ready to climb back under the sheets and not come out.
We are told so often “don’t look back” Thank You for seeing why sometimes it is necessary.
I am in such a better place then this time last year. Praise the LORD.
I just need to take a breath and ask Papa for His help today.
Thank You!
Kristen Strong says
Praising our good God with you, Danyalle. May we all be as wise as you and be still to remember He is God, our help and salvation.
marsha says
Thank you for this…. for today and the days to come.
Jennifer Stohr says
This was EXACTLY what I needed to read today. Thank you got posting this. After an asthma flare yesterday, today I need to give up house cleaning and dishes in order to have my quiet time and rest time before going back in the bitter cold to drive my school bus. I also need rest if I want to do my morning workout. Thanks for the reminder that this is okay.
Kristen Strong says
First of all: You’re a school bus driver, Jennifer? Then you’re my hero and deserve a maid and kitchen fairies to cover those chores forevermore. And second of all: bravo to you for trading dishes and cleaning for quiet time and rest. Good choice!
Thank you, Jennifer, for all the ways you serve and love others well. You’re a gift!
Marinalva Sickler says
When I feel discouraged and dismayed I rush to my pile of Bible verses. I pray with them to cheer me on. I come to my blogs and I feel comforted knowing that I can give up on believe on my own and rest in the arms of the Almighty where I get strrngth to continue on. Thanks for such inspiring story.
Kristen Strong says
Love this, Marinalva.
Marinalva Sickler says
Thank you. I see light at the end. Thank you
Sabra Penley says
Kristen, your message affirms what God has been trying to show me, especially this past week with a crazy schedule. I often felt like going back to bed and pulling the covers over my head. But, as you so beautifully describe, sometimes we have to stop before we can get going again. I even wrote about this on my blog this week (“A Crazy Week” on http://www.simplyablogoflife.com). Thanks for your inspiring words. And congratulations on making it to the top!
Joanne Peterson says
I read your post, and have now re-read it. When I have acted on my own, I have made matters worse by rushing in, or on impulse. When I have prayed, and also been desperately seeking, or just seeking, and have changed in the meantime, I have found the giving up, backing off, a do over, gives me a different perspective, learn more, understand more, and know more than before what questions to even ask for wisdom and direction. Some things I would have thought total rubbish, can be valid with greater understanding, or I am more ready to receive the info and more able to put into practice what I am learning, understanding and being directed to.
It is not my intention to be vague, but in thinking, this has happened many, many times over the years. Even the giving up appears to be passive, but it is not. It is a resting, and a re-grouping to try again, and to be. God is not passive in our giving up, He is working.
Thank you for your perspective and your lesson learned in giving up.
Kristen Strong says
“Even the giving up appears to be passive, but it is not. It is a resting, and a re-grouping to try again…” ~ I agree wholeheartedly. It sounds strange, but I think the right kind of giving up is one of the most courageous things we can do. And for us to wait on God in the resting? Not passive at all.
Thank you, Joanne!
Hope says
That is interesting, last week God spoke to me on a similar topic but actually the other way around. I was answering the question: Will I let my past shape my day, or will I let the future shape my day. I can look to whats behind me over and over again, but I can also have hope in what I know about the future. I know Heaven and Eternal Life is awaiting me. And in the process I know that every day God’s desire is to make me more whole and more like Him. When I look to what is behind me I let pain, insecurity, fear lead me. But to get back to your topic and way of looking at it… there are many many times when I look behind me and see how far I have come. It is precious and I know I would not have gotten so far if it were not for God.
Bless our journeys and perspectives…
Christina says
This resonates so well with the sermons I’ve been listening to by Tullian Tchividjian. Here’s one of his articles: http://liberate.org/2013/07/18/is-your-life-defined-by-a-ladder-or-a-cross/
P.S. – He’s Billy Graham’s grandson, if you didn’t already know.
Being still and knowing He is God is my lifeline.
Kristen Strong says
Definitely checking this out, Christina. Thanks so much for the recommendation.
Karin Madden says
Kristen, this is awesome! And God-timed. I was just this minute sitting with tears and my head in my hands ready to give up on this homeschooling thing. A tough day today. I prayed and asked Jesus for a word of reassurance and strength. Then I happened across your post here in my moment of ‘me time.’ Thank you for this encouragement! I can’t tell you how this has pushed me up the mountain. By the way, Phil 4:13 is the verse I chanted over and over with my 6th baby (trying to not give birth in the car!). It was the most surreal moment of peace and no pain. Putting this verse back into the front of my mind today! Adore you, my friend! xo
PS you’re a rock star for climbing the Incline!
Kristen Strong says
No no Karin, *you’re* the rock star for faithfully showing up to love on and teach your babies better than any other woman could. Holding your hand as we chant some Philippians together!
I just adore you, Karin. You are a gift and then some. xo
Janelle says
What a gem of a post. Thank you for sharing. Although I know it will resonate with many, I feel like God used your voice to speak directly to my heart–these words had a healing quality for me–some much needed outside-of-myself perspective. I will always fall short, will always have so very much to learn… But Jesus and I both know I’m forever grateful that I’m not where I used to be. I am finally un-lost–trying to find (and stay) on the path He’s designed just for me. And the view IS indeed breathtaking when I consider how far I’ve come. Thank you again. And if I ever finally make it to CO to see the people I’ve been aching to visit, I have a goal to add to my bucket list while I’m there.
Kristen Strong says
And what a gem of a comment. Thank you for your beautiful words, Janelle.
LauraBeth Young says
Great article Kristen! Just like that mountain, the journey ahead of us can be very challenging. I love the analogy and how well you weaved it with life! Many think it is “All or nothing”, and I must confess I still fall into that myself. But taking breaks along the way of what we are called to do, is healthy for us. If we listen to our bodies, give in when it needs rest, push once we’ve been refueled and refreshed, then we can conquer our mountains!
Blessing and Good Cheer, LauraBeth
http://www.CheerfulHearts.com
Dolly@Soulstops says
Kristen,
Wow…I am so proud of you and I love how you encouraged us to give up, for a little bit, rest, then continue…Brilliant…Thank you 🙂
Kristen Strong says
Dolly, you are so kind. I am forever grateful for you.
Kathy says
Thank You Kim and Angela for your thoughtfulness and prayers. Your kindness humbles me and lifted me up.
Blessings,
Katgy
Megan O'Neill says
Snicker Snicker-I love James so much!! I’m glad you made it up and back down safely Sister!! Mwah!!!!
Meggers
Kristen Strong says
Aww, he loves you too, Aunt Meggie! And so does his mama. MUAH.
Diane W. Bailey says
Great Advice, Kristen! “Look and see how far you have come.” You writing is so real and I love seeing your name on an Article!
Sara says
Seriously what an achievement I’m not sure I would have reached the top. I struggle with setting myself goals after growing up being told I fail at everything I’m scared to commit. Yet coming to Christ I can do things if I lean on him.
Kristen Strong says
Just keep telling yourself that last sentence, Sara. When you commit to Christ, you can never fail. You are already a winner, already a success because of Him who lives in you.
Thank you for being here, Sara. Thanks so much.
Denise Grace says
Thank you Kristen I need to ponder the idea on focusing on how far I’ve come rather than how far I need to go. It would definitely lead me to be able to praise Him more often rather than beseech Him out of my weariness in the journey.
Kristen Strong says
A warm wave to you, Denise! I love seeing your face here.
Well, I’m learning as I go too, friend. It helps to have beautiful women like you to learn alongside. Much love to you and yours.
Victoria Terrinoni says
Kristen, I just love reading your posts. They are so uplifting. Many times while hiking I stop and think I cannot do it. This overweight body will never make it. But then I see how far I have come and think maybe I can. When I reach the top, my husband always cheers me on. Then I look down where I’ve been and think, “Oh no! Now I have to go back down.”
Mae says
Such a timly post.. Recently got so discouraged .. At mostly things I thought I
could of prevented, if I woulda, shoulda,
then it was as if God whispered to me,
Yes, you’v been here before, but look at how far you have come! Today I made a comment to myself that i’v done a 180 today I said no, i’v done a 360!! Can’t go back, or turn storms away, it’s the knowing
that I can do all things through Christ,
because he lives in me, the mystery is so
great, reassuring, I’m not ever settling for
just good enough again. So, lately, i’v been resting, resting in Him. Finding confidence to believe though I can’t see ahead, he is already there cheering me on! Posts like these where Christian women gather is a cheering on! Thank you!!!
Nancy Ruegg says
Very logical, powerful truth, and well spoken, Kristen! Especially appreciated: “Take in the view of how far you’ve come rather than scold yourself for how far you have still to go. Don’t give up for good, just give up long enough to do yourself some good.”
I’m going to remember that!
Beth WIlliams says
I love to go hiking in the mountains. I just love your perspective about looking back & seeing how far you’ve come to realize you can’t give up.
Many a time I have wanted to just throw in the towel and give up on my job, running plans. At work I can see God working & elevating me to a higher standard. As for my running–I got on treadmill the other day and was able to run a 14 minute mile–about where I was last year. YES, I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!