I Ain’t Been Right Since I Fell Off That Cliff

One of the most transformative experiences of my life happened in the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains while I was on a scholarship program with National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). I was 18 years old, and it was the summer before I entered college. We backpacked in the mountains for 32 days, exploring the stunning landscapes and learning invaluable wilderness skills. Everything was going smoothly until the rock climbing and rappelling class.

We were taught all the safety measures and theories regarding rock climbing and rappelling. The harness, ropes, and belay system were all explained. Now, I am not a fearful person. The rock climbing was fun, but rappelling was a different beast. Climbing up is one thing, but the sensation of jumping off a ledge backward was terrifying. Nevertheless, I trusted my training and the safety measures in place, so I took a deep breath and started my descent.

Halfway down, my foot slipped. The next thing I knew, I was dangling upside down in the air. For a brief, heart-stopping moment, I was sure I was going to die. "This is it," I thought. "This is how it ends." But when I realized that I was not falling, I was just dangling upside down in the air. I started laughing. Hysterically. The worst had happened—I’d fallen off a cliff—and yet, I was still alive, swaying gently in my harness. It was a miracle.

In that absurd, upside-down moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of divine reassurance. It was as if the Lord was whispering to me, “See? I’ve got you. Why be afraid?” It’s funny how a potentially disastrous event can turn into a moment of profound clarity and faith.

I never told my parents about this little adventure. There are many things I’ve kept from them over the years, mainly because I didn’t want them to worry or prevent me from exploring the world. But this episode was pivotal. It helped me conquer my fear. From then on, whenever I faced something terrifying, I’d think, “Well, I’ve already fallen off a cliff and survived. How bad can this be?”

Rappelling down that cliff was like a rite of passage. It wasn’t just about overcoming a physical challenge; it was about realizing that fear is often more dangerous than the actual risks we face. The next time I found myself staring down a metaphorical cliff, I remembered that moment and laughed, thinking, “It’s not that bad. It’s not like I’m jumping off a cliff.”

Life has thrown plenty of cliffs my way since then, but each time, I remember dangling there, upside down, laughing at the absurdity of my fear. And every time, I feel a little braver, a little more invincible, and grounded in faith.

So, to anyone standing on the edge, terrified of what comes next, just remember: Sometimes you have to fall to realize you can fly. And trust me, the view is pretty great from up here.