Fear, Courage & Redwood Trees

Last month my family went camping in the redwoods near the Eel River in Humboldt County.  As we took our 3 boys for “hikes” and adventures in the forest, they were amazed at the size of the Redwood trees.  They loved finding ones that had been burned out so that they could crawl or even stand inside of them.  Our youngest son, 3 years old, was delighted with the “tunnel tree” that was just perfect for him to walk through.  The eldest at 8 years old, was occupied with finding the best walking stick and climbing on the fallen trees.  Our middle son, who has since the trip turned 6, was more quiet and observing during our walks.  One day at lunch he said a curious thing; “I love how God made the redwood trees so fearless!  They aren’t afraid of anything!”  As I questioned him he revealed how they were not afraid of fire, of being partially burned up, or of growing so tall.  These were just obvious observations to him.  We had an interesting conversation about amazing trees, fear, fire and God’s creation. 

Several days later he made a comment about how he liked that I wasn’t afraid of anything.  This is tricky as a mom…I don’t live in fear and don’t want to encourage his fears, yet I want to be real with him and show him that I too, have to work through fear.  So I told him a couple things I can sometimes be afraid of:  big dogs, holding a snake and severe storms.  This news surprised him and he recounted times when he had seen me “un-afraid” in these circumstances.  Like when we meet the Great Dane (growling, barking and never on a leash!)  that lives in our neighborhood and I tell him (my son) not to worry and to keep walking calmly.  Or when we saw “Python Ron” at the library with all his huge snakes, bird-eating spiders, and some tropical lizard that was bigger than his little brother!  I explained that while these are all a bit “scary” to me, I know that I will be ok and so the fear of them doesn’t keep me from going on.

Here’s what my son and I decided about fear, courage and the lesson to be learned from Redwood Trees:  Fire, being burned, big dogs and huge snakes are scary not matter how you look at it!  But, sometimes you have to keep living even when you’re scared…just like the redwood trees do.  Maybe a good definition of courage is “doing what you need to do, even while you’re a little scared”.  Like continuing your walk, in spite of the big dog or sitting in your seat looking at the 9 foot python instead of running out of the room.  The redwood tree that had a tunnel burned through it was still living, making pine cones and providing shade in the forest.  It was so strong, so tall and beautiful!  It was made to live, in the face of a threat, it survived!  Courage has been a theme for this young boy.  We made a “badge of courage” for him to wear when he got the shots/immunizations he needed for kindergarten.  He had been so scared and in the midst of working through that with him I had the idea of making him a badge to wear.  He wore it, he was brave and got his shots and we celebrated that he survived….even though he was a little scared.  I reminded him of this during our talks about the trees and he realized that he too is “fearless” he can choose to not let fear paralyze him.  He was made to survive, to live, to thrive! 

The adult version that I’m pondering is how God calls us to walk with courage, even when circumstances may be “scary” or unsure.  I look to Him for hope and then I walk toward Him, toward the promise, believing that I am equipped to face and defeat any obstacle that could scare me if I were staring at it, instead of staring into the eyes of my God.