March/April 2018

Barbara Latta
Taking the Plunge
I looked at the water sloshing against the diving ramp and swallowed hard. Because I had
allowed my husband and sons to talk me into taking scuba lessons, I now stood above a
gaping ocean waiting to take the plunge on my first dive after earning my scuba certification.
My mother had almost drowned when she was a teenager and her fear of the water had
been translated to me. She was so cautious watching my brothers and she would hardly let
us get more than a few feet from the shore when we would go to a nearby lake.
Despite my fear, I was talked into taking the course.
The first time I entered the swimming pool for the hands-on training, I panicked and started
choking on water. When I got home, I cried. I was embarrassed, yet too afraid to go back. But
I decided I didn’t want to be a quitter.
Psalm 139:9 calmed me, If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of
the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me.
With the course behind me, I looked down at the ocean I was about to enter, took a deep
breath and exhaled. Calming myself with lessons learned and scriptures memorized, I looked
fear in the face and took the plunge. Breaching that barrier helped me go forward in other
areas I was afraid to face in my life, also.
When fear comes knocking at your door, don’t let it steal your life. I learned I can’t wait for
fear to leave before trying something. I just had to do it afraid.
Stand on the Word of God for your situation and you can conquer your fear, too.
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