Ziplining with Zeal: From Fear to Flight

Lilia Grundy creates a faith-over-fear formula after surviving her first ziplining experience.

As I stepped onto the shaky wooden ledge — appropriately called the "Step of Faith" — off the sky bridge, I clutched the straps attached to my harness. I prayed, "Holy Spirit, come. Holy Spirit, come. Holy Spirit, come," and then I flew. I jumped seventy feet above the ground.

I am terrified of heights.

Praise God, I completed all seven ziplines. I was scared the whole time; my heart pounded, and I wanted to cry after my first jump, but I knew I needed to power through. After all, my husband and I were celebrating our anniversary, and this was something he really wanted to do with me. I never thought I would face a test of altitude during a ziplining adventure, but I wanted to show my husband I would do this for him.

Showing love amid fear is something I’m learning to do. I have long admired David’s story in the Bible. His zeal for taking down the giant Goliath, who terrified everyone, is incredibly inspiring. I can’t imagine battling that kind of dread. But I’m taking baby steps — leaping into faith through fear.

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Blood of Christ, Sacrifice for Love

Of course, the greatest love story is that of our heavenly Father, who sent His only Son to sacrifice Himself — body and blood — for humankind:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (John 3:16)

The Catholic Church dedicates July to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. I thought about how I could use this devotion as a source of strength, especially when I am fearful.

I look back at my ziplining experience in awe because I can’t believe I vanquished my fear of heights. I know I overcame the anxiety by reminding myself how much I love my husband. I used that love as a sacrifice (plus a lot of prayer), and it got me through. What if I used this faith formula in other moments of apprehension?

Faith-Over-Fear Formula with the Most Precious Blood

I reflected on the thoughts whirling in my head as I jumped into what seemed like an endless abyss. I meditated on how faith can carry me through difficult moments. With this month’s special theme, I believe these steps can serve as a helpful faith formula whenever I’m afraid:

Remember God’s Love

God is good. I kept this top of mind while ziplining by remembering how many times He has rescued me. Even in my darkest moments, God has always carried me through.

Pray "By the Most Precious Blood of Christ, the Lord who has always delivered me will help me now," while rubbing a miraculous medal (or another sacramental).
Meditate on the Passion of Christ and remember how He poured out His Most Precious Blood. Slowly make the sign of the cross as I whisper, "By Your Blood, strengthen me."
Act: Light a red candle the night before I attend confession and say, "By the Blood of Christ, I place this fear in Your hands, and I trust You” as an act of surrender to fear
Share my zipline story as a testimony of faith with someone outside my parish or Catholic circle.

Reframe My Fear as a Spiritual Battle

I admire thrill seekers, but I wasn’t made to soar the skies. My fear was real, and I can approach apprehension as a spiritual battle.

Rely on Jesus, Not Jackets

Trust Jesus over material things. When I was ready to jump, I had to trust the equipment that would secure me. Ultimately, it’s God’s protection that saves me.

Proclaim God’s Glory

After each zipline, I felt relieved and thankful. I can continue that celebration as I face trepidation and recall victory in the Lord.

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How do you practice faith over fear?

What are some ways you can weave the devotion of the Most Precious Blood of Christ when you meet moments of anxiety this month?

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Ziplining with Zeal: From Fear to Flight

Blood of Christ, Sacrifice for Love