Why not help us make a fresh start—a resurrection life? Psalm 85:6a (MSG)

I remember standing on the end of the three meter diving board as a child. I stepped out to the end and curled my toes around the end of the board. Then I looked down at shimmering stars of sunlight reflecting off the bright turquoise water of Northwest Municipal Swimming Pool. My heart was beating. Fear gripped me like a vice. Only one step and I would feel the exhilaration of nothing but air, the excitement of plunging into the cool, crisp depths, and the satisfaction of finally taking that one step. I couldn't do it. I went running back to the ladder.

"You don't understand the terrible things I've done" someone once told me as they fought against God calling them to follow. Just this week a woman said to me, "there are skeletons in my closet that I would never want anyone to find." I know the feeling. I believe we all do. Past mistakes grip me like a vice. I feel unworthy. The weight of guilt and shame keeps me standing in shadow. I hate hiding in the darkness, but I'm also terribly afraid of stepping into the light.

Just one step and I can confess these things and let them go. One step and I can feel the Light surround me, chasing the shadows away. One step and I can feel the exhilaration of freedom from my burden and the plunge into God's love, forgiveness, and unmerited favor.

Just one step.

Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickrand John Curley.