Dropped Like a Rock

“Whoosh,” my husband Larry and the large rock where he stood dropped out of sight. He had ventured out onto a pile of rocks along the edge of a cliff in the Beartooth mountains in Wyoming.

I moved quickly to the edge of the cliff, hoping to see where he had dropped and if he was hurt. He lay ten feet below on another large rock; the original boulder was still rolling down the mountain side.

“Are you all right?” I hollered.

“I think so.” He gradually moved his legs then stood up and surveyed his predicament. He wasn’t seriously hurt, just bruised.

“Lord, please help Larry find safe footing as he climbs back up here,” I prayed.

I didn’t have a rope nor were there any tree limbs close by for me to assist him. We were about one mile off the main road in an isolated area. I was helpless to give assistance as he climbed around and over the various sized rocks to get back up to me.

Similar helpless situations come into our lives, at times. An adult child or a friend may drop into taking drugs, an illegal or immoral action, a divorce, financial disaster, or a serious illness. We may only be able to stand at a distance, see the damage in their life, pray, and give them encouragement as they climb back up. The “drop” can be from their own making or just a happenstance of life.

No one likes to be in a helpless position, but God is our resource for help and guidance.

“In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple, he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” Psalm 18:6 (NIV)

Helen L. Hoover