MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB

This is a talk that I gave in church on January 9, 2022. For my friends of different faiths or those of my atheist friends, you may not be able to apply everything that I spoke about but please know that I will be the boost when you’re trying to take that first step or your safe place when you don’t know how to start your climb.

I know I’ve mentioned before, probably obnoxiously so, how much I love mountains. I grew up at the base of Mount Graham and it’s gorgeous. It’s beautiful. I love it. It was kind of like a source of security and protection because it just encompasses the valley.

I’ve always been a daddy’s girl. Whenever he would head to the mountains to cut wood, or scope out areas to cut wood, or just take a drive to clear his head, I would beg him to take me with. Just me and him. I loved the mountains – something that hasn’t changed. On one particular outing – I was probably 8? 9? 10? – we drove up to the mountains until my dad found a good spot to park and look around. There was a section of rock that was piled up. It was my mountain and I wanted to climb it. He discouraged me explaining that I wasn’t dressed for it (It was summer and I was wearing the traditional summer uniform: shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers – I had flip flops on but he made me put sneakers on before we left.) and that even though it looked like a small climb it was bigger than I thought. Now, I’m sure it’s surprising to some of you guys but I’m a little bit stubborn. So, I complained and pestered and complained and pestered until he finally gave in and told me to climb the mountain. He’d be nearby. Excited, I ran over and started to climb. The first couple of footholds I was doing quite well. On the next foothold, however, the rock gave way and I slid down. I hadn’t made it very far up but even sliding down that short distance made its mark – my hands and knees were bloodied and scraped. In tears, I ran to my dad who scooped me up and made sure I was okay. He would’ve had every right to shake his head at me and tell me “I told you so” but he didn’t. After calming down, we talked about my mountain climbing approach which wasn’t so much of an approach as it was me hoping I could just barrel my way up.

I’ve thought of this experience numerous times throughout my life. We talk a lot in the gospel about “moving mountains” but to me, it’s more important to know how to climb them, create security/shelter from them. More recently, my thoughts have turned to the “mountains” in our lives – pain, doubt, confusion, illness, depression, or any other problem affecting us –  and our need to know the proper approach to “climbing” them instead of just trying to barrel our way up or through. 

That day so many years ago, my dad walked me back over to the climb and pointed out areas that had a better footing than others. I listened intently as he helped me map out a path and I could pick out the areas he was talking about. A foothold here, a place to grab hold there. Each step helped guide and lift me to the next. All the steps needed to be taken in order for me to make it to the top unscathed. Sure, I probably could have hopped around and eventually made it up but I would definitely be worse for the wear. 

After my dad finished explaining the proper approach to my climb. I was too afraid to try again. My hands were raw and throbbing. I had scuffs and scratches on my knees. If you know my dad, you know that “NOT trying” is NEVER an option. He embodies the “walk it off and keep going” mindset. He walked me over to the lowest foothold and once again showed me how to get started. I just didn’t know if I could do it or if I even wanted to try.

In life, sometimes, I just want…to stop. To give up. I don’t know about you but sometimes I grow tired of climbing. It seems as we reach the top of one peak, another looms in our way. Sometimes, I don’t know if I have enough strength, enough faith. President Nelson has told us “…exercising faith can seem overwhelming. At times we may wonder if we can possibly muster enough faith to receive the blessings that we so desperately need…The Lord understands our mortal weakness. We all falter at times. But He also knows of our great potential…The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But He does ask us to believe” (“Christ Is Risen”).  He goes on to say that “The Savior is never closer to you than when you are facing or climbing a mountain with faith” (Nelson).

I stared at that climb in front of me while my dad offered encouraging words. He assured me he’d stay by me. I shakily lifted one foot and secured it in place. Then I reached with trembling fingers to my first handhold. Cautiously and probably painfully slow, I made progress. I never felt impatience from my dad who I’m sure had other things he wanted to do. He stayed right there encouraging me along the way. I took it one foothold at a time, one reach at a time. Terrified of falling again.

“[Our] mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of [our] challenges is to increase [our] faith. That takes work. Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith. To do anything well requires effort. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is no exception

Study…Immerse yourself in the scriptures…Internalize the truth that the Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to you. He took upon Himself your misery, your mistakes, your weakness, and your sins. He paid the compensatory price and provided the power for you to [climb] every mountain you will ever face. You obtain that power with your faith, trust, and willingness to follow Him

[Climbing] your mountains may require a miracle…Miracles come according to your faith in the Lord. Central to that faith is trusting His will and timetable—how and when He will bless you with the miraculous help you desire. Only your unbelief will keep God from blessing you with miracles to move the mountains in your life” (Nelson).

Faith takes work. Faith is a verb and not a passive one. (Well, maybe more of a noun that can be used as an adverb, but you get the point, right?) Faith requires action. If you can do nothing more than have that particle of faith, ask the Lord for help. “The Savior is never closer to you than when you are facing or climbing a mountain with faith.” (Nelson).

It probably took me waaaaaaay longer than it should have to climb that day. But I did it. It wasn’t smooth and it wasn’t skillful but each successful step helped me believe that I could make it. Helped me have more faith that each step would find a solid footing. And, through it all, I knew I wasn’t alone. 

“Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to [climb] the mountains in your life, even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest” (Nelson).

I don’t know what mountains are currently looming in your way. I don’t know what mountains you may be asked to climb. I can only tell you that no matter how big that mountain is you don’t have to climb it alone. If you can’t remember anything else from my words, please remember that: you do not have to climb it alone.

Choose to believe and have faith. Choose to take the needed step. Not sure what step to take? Ask. Ask for help. Take your question to the Lord. Study with even that small particle of belief and let that faith increase and grow. “The Lord understands our mortal weakness. We all falter at times. But He also knows of our great potential. With faith in Him, we can [climb] the mountains in our lives” (Nelson). So climb. Just take one foothold at a time, one reach at a time, and before you know it, you will reach the top and be stronger for it. 

You are so very loved and no matter what, you never walk nor climb alone.

Works Cited

Nelson , President Russell M. “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Apr. 2021, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/49nelson?lang=eng.