Take The Step

I traveled to Cuba (from Tijuana) before U.S. citizens were allowed, and presented Bibles to the Cuban Police knowing it could land me in a cold, dark, prison cell. I’ve been in squatter camps in South Africa where drivers coast through stop lights for fear of being hijacked. I’ve even been sped to the Joburg airport and escorted to my gate on the night of an election before the rioting broke out.

If I’d been unwilling to take the risk to step out of fear and anxiety and into these situations, I never would’ve seen the faithfulness of God, nor met the precious people I’ve come to know and love along the way.

So why was I so anxious about traveling to Ensenada recently to officiate a wedding? Maybe it was the 10:00 news reporting on cartel activity in Tijuana and graphic pictures of burned out buses knowing we would be traveling in a bus. Or, the book I recently read called “American Dirt”, the story of a news reporter’s wife and 8-year-old son trying to get into the U.S. after the cartel brutally murdered her husband and entire family. Whatever it was, I found myself often, in the weeks leading up to the wedding, feeling anxious and out of sorts.

In those moments, when my heart would begin to race, I’d close my eyes and ask God to bring to mind His Word.

These verses ran on repeat in my head:

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
- John 16:33

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
- 1 Peter 5:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Philippians 4:6

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- Isaiah 41:10

Surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.
- Matthew 28:20

I am so glad that I learned at a young age the importance of memorizing Scripture! These verses were a constant reminder of God’s goodness and gave me peace.

Early on the Saturday before the wedding, we Ubered to the bus pick- up spot and met the American family and friends. Once we made it through Customs in Tijuana, and boarded a new bus that could take us farther into the interior, I found myself relaxing and embracing the experience. In the days that followed, I learned the rich heritage of the bride's family. Ken and I have known the groom's family from the time he was born through the church, but I hadn’t spent that much time with his extended family. I talked with coworkers and friends and learned that he lives out his faith daily!

The wedding was at a winery south of Ensenada and the reception included a dance floor with exploding sparklers and the original “night fever” lighted colors. As I watched the bride's family dance to traditional Spanish songs, I couldn’t help but be grateful for the deep cultural heritage her family brought to the groom and all of the American guests. It was an evening I'll always treasure!

If I hadn’t been willing to take the step out of fear and anxiety into faith, I’d have missed a beautiful lesson.

You see, the news may show us the worst parts of the world and how bad things are, but when we don’t take the risk to dig deeper, we miss the fascinating story of God’s people. The weekend imprinted my heart with a beautiful picture of rich family tradition, respect and love. Red, brown, yellow, black and white - all are unique and precious in His sight!

I love the lessons God continues to teach me no matter how old I get, or how much I “think” I know! How about you? Is there something you are afraid of, or anxious about, that is keeping you from new experiences? Take a risk! Step out of fear and into faith!

Pastor Pam

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