Have you ever had to make a leap of faith? A few years back, my husband and I attended a director’s meeting that turned our world upside down. We walked away with that sinking feeling that life was about to change drastically. We were standing at the cliff-edge of decision. All options before us left us feeling uncertain. To stay where we were would eventually mean devastation. To leap would mean…well, we didn’t know what the leap would mean. 
Staring at the fall distance is definitely the hardest. Stepping off of the safety of what is known feels like you are about to drop through the depths of darkness to your death. We had questions. They made our heads spin: How did this happen? What does it really mean? Could we make this go away? Did we misunderstand? Is this for real? Is our dream over? What do we do now? To be honest, we had more questions than answers and more tears than we cared to cry. Ok, I was the one shedding tears. My husband was his usual determined, “never give up” self and already measuring the leap distance. And before I could blink the tears from my eyes, he was preparing to jump.
He did ask if the ground would be solid under him when he stepped off the edge. But as you can probably guess, he was told that he needed to step first before he would know for sure. Yeah well, he wasn’t the stepping kind. He’s a leaper.
Here’s why:
- Staying where we were watered down our vision.
- Leaping or staying both meant pain.
- We understood what we did (produce oysters) and that we did it well.
- We believed in our purpose and knew we had not fulfilled it.
- We weren’t afraid of a challenge.
- When you’re at the edge you have to either go forward or backward. If you go forward, you have to jump.
We did the unexpected and took a leap of faith. We took the unexpected option. The other directors were left with their mouths hanging open and a failed plan. Don’t get me wrong, what they took could be considered a win (at first glance). They may have even snickered a little as they watched us suspended in the air.
We released fear and doubt. We embraced the unknown and uncertainty. We placed our hope and trust, not in our company or possessions, in our God. We overcame the obstacles…
And we didn’t fall. We started over and the possibilities before us are amazing. Sometimes I pinch him…you know, to make sure we’re not dreaming (that’s my story; sticking to it). Don’t get me wrong, it’s been hard work, faith-testing, and at times terrifying…But it was worth it.
“The first step to getting anywhere is deciding you are no longer willing to stay where you are.” ~Unknown
Are you standing on the edge?
Are you going to stay where you are or
L
E
A
P
?
deeclarknz.com 
Pingback: One Word Photo Challenge: Copper | Jennifer Nichole Wells
Such a timely post for us right now. How I do appreciate what you have written. When I was younger, leaping came quite easily. It’s a bit tougher when you get to my age! But I thank you for this post. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome. When I began my blog that was my original thought that the heart of women are very similar in the things we face. I like how Glennon of Momastery puts it: “we are a sisterhood and we belong to each other.” We never know how sharing what we are going through helps others know they are not alone or the only one who is/has facing/faced what is in front of them. All the best as you make those important decisions!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again, Dee! 🙂 Hugs!
LikeLike
Wonderful post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. So glad you stopped by.
LikeLike
Wonderful post. Love the images. Must have been an amazing feeling once you finally took the plunge. Thanks so much for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once life began unfolding and the evidence that taking the plunge was the right move…it was amazing. Mid-air is a bit terrifying. Looking back it was a great move.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dee, thank you for sharing your blog leap of faith, it reminds me of the time I had to take a leap of faith after losing £40,000 ponds(approx $60,000) after the business I started after being made redundant after 30years as a Sales Manager. My leap of faith took me straight to paul’s scripture were he tells us everything is possible through CHRIST.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Alex. My husband always says, “Never give up”. My husband and I had started this business as well and we lost everything. It was heartbreaking but what we have now after starting over is many times better and growing further and faster. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I know the courage that you had to have. Yeah, and good ole Paul has some pretty good advice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m very familiar with jete-ing across to unknown landings. I am more apt to leap with God than to take the actual leap seen in your photos (fear of heights, ya know–guess that’s another blog we could tackle). Beautiful site, Dee! Looking forward to reading more. Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that was why I could make the connection. I have no fear of heights (mine is of water) so I got up their and jumped right off. My husband wouldn’t even consider it. His brother and owner jumped from half height. And countless other stood for ages staring and shaking before leaping or walking away. Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Great post Dee!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you, Andy. So nice to hear from you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This really encouraged me to leap in my current situation. You’re exactly right, either way there’s pain. I needed this today. XO Dani
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome. The key for us was to be true to our overall purpose, principles and family goal. The leap was difficult because we lost everything. However, we also got a clean slate financially (and have subsequently been debt-free for 4 years-What a blessing that has been!), learned so many lessons, became stronger as a couple, and got the opportunity to start over (because no one can take your knowledge, experience and determination). We are so much further ahead now than we had even hoped to be and it really has shown us to trust…things always work out for our good. There is a good future and plan for all of us and we don’t have to fear the process, even when painful.
My hope is that your leap will be the same…the best move you’ve ever made.
Be encouraged.
LikeLike
I love your post. It really speaks to me as that is where my family is right at this very moment. My A was for afraid. We are about to take that leap too. Happy blogging, Cheryl
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing about your family. I know how terrifying this can be. I wish you all the best and congratulate your bravery. Thank you for reading. Have a great week, Cheryl.
LikeLike
Thanks Dee so much. I appreciate it. Have a great week too, Cheryl
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a AWESOME post! Leaps of faith can be so hard, but sometimes so very worth it and when you are putting your Trust in God, you can’t go wrong. So glad things are working out for you amidst the hard times. Thanks for the encouraging post and the pictures with this post really adds to it! Great job! Blessings to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, Dee. That is just where I am. I am terrified. However, here I go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you for having courage and trusting yourself. I wish you all the best and hope your leap turns out to be an amazing beginning to great things.
LikeLike
You are welcome and thank you for your kind comment.
LikeLike