As announced a couple weeks ago I made the big leap and left the 9-5 job to venture in the path of full time ministry/entrepreneurship.
I don’t consider myself a big risk tasker but I’ve had quiet a few faith experiences over my life time so I believe God has been preparing me for this moment.
As a part of my 30th birthday celebration, my friend Terri (who also celebrated her birthday a week after mine) wanted to experience sunset at Ricks Cafe in Negril, Jamaica. I had no plans for my birthday really, so I told her I’d come with her because I knew it’s something she always wanted to do.
Overall it was a cool girls’ trip.. but here’s where it got interesting…
At Ricks Cafe there is cliff diving.. now I can swim well but I’m not into water too much so initially it was not on my to- do experience. But the more I saw people do it, part of me wanted to try. When I went to the top of the cliff (35 feet) it was too scary so I’m like heck no.. not interested.
My best friend Terry said she wanted to do it, so we decided to go back the next day to JUMP.
My lessons from jumping off Ricks Cliff:
1) Everything is easier when you have someone willing to do it with you. Having my best friend who was willing to jump too made it far more comforting to take the jump myself.
2) I didn’t jump the top level, I jumped the 10 feet because the 35 feet was too scary. Initially I didn’t want to jump the 10 feet because I didn’t feel I was being challenged enough but it too was a bit scary. This reminded me that it’s okay to start small.. conquer 1 “cliff” at a time.
3) I had no real reason why I wanted to jump – so our motive is important. I really had no real interest in cliff jumping and I believe it’s fine. Some people will love it and some won’t and that’s perfectly fine. I’m sure there are things I would do or love to do that others won’t be interested in.
4) Fear is real… And I know we hear feel the fear and do it any way but it’s easier said than done. For some of us, it takes a little longer to get over it BUT I had to eventually take a JUMP and in many areas of your life, you will have to jump too.
5) I was telling myself I would jump to show my “big” faith leap. But this was me pumping myself up falsely. Why? Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I know this might sound super spiritual and probably it is.. but personally for me, I’m only interested in doing what God tells me to do. Me trying to pump myself that I’m doing it for ‘God’ didn’t work because I didn’t have a word or peace. I’m not trying to be deep because I wouldn’t necessary ask God to keep a chair sturdy before I sit.. but for me jumping off a cliff was bigger than sitting on a chair. And I really want His assurance (or I was being a chicken lol)
Overall, jump or not to jump is a decision that you have to make yourself. No amount of cheering on from others can make you do it (yes its helpful but it doesn’t make it easier).
I must admit when I took the JUMP (even though its not the biggest cliff), I felt a bit liberating to know I tried and I conquered despite the fears I felt initially.
What about you? What jump will you take or not take?
I love you and God loves you more!
Crystal Daye