From Fear to Boldness by the Grace of God

I am afraid of bugs—any kind. I cannot stand their strange-exoskeleton-multilegged looking, and I am sure they think exactly the same thing about me, except for Mosquitoes; they love me!

Outdoor activities have always been a challenge for me. My loving parents grew up in the countryside of my home country, Colombia. And even though they knew many survival skills, they didn’t pass that knowledge to their three daughters. Life was a bit difficult for them. Our vacations were more about going to the beach and staying in modest hotels. Camping wasn’t on our family bucket list.

Decades later, I married a wonderful man who has been, since his childhood, a strong advocate for outdoor activities. As our family grew, he used to ask me from time to time: “When do you think we would be ready to go family camping?” That simple question gave me shivers, running up and down my spine like little bugs, those that I was very much afraid of. How could I go camping when I hadn’t skills or boldness whatsoever? Trying to attempt that kind of endeavour would put me instantly into the Camping Hall of Shame.

Looking for a Catholic group for my daughters

I put my dear husband’s request on hold for several years, until my daughters reached the age of team sports. We registered them for swim team, basketball, tennis and art classes. It was fun to see them flourish, but there was no opportunity for them to grow in our Catholic faith.

Searching for options, I remembered that a family member shared an email with me about a catholic youth group. I couldn’t remember the name nor the date it was shared. After a day or two, I finally found the email, and I was so happy! Happy as when you find your wedding bands after looking for them for months because you took them out your finger to cook a very complicated dinner; yes, that feeling! I immediately visited the website and submitted a request. A couple of days later, Black Wolf and Akela Paul called me and answered the initial questions and contacted the group already established in Atlanta.

"I am not ready for that!"

The Atlanta Chief at that time was leading a Boys section only. He didn’t have a Girls section. Even if he had one, the location was too far from my home. “You could start a Girls Group in your area if you want.” The Chief said. “I could go to your parish and give a presentation about the FNE program and help you launch a group there.”

It was a generous offer, but not what I needed or wanted. “I am not ready for that! I cannot run a program that involves camping!” I said to myself. “I want my girls to learn from someone with experience on this. How can I teach them when I cannot even build a fire? I will be the laugh of every single child! Also on the creepy side, those exoskeleton-multilegged-looking creatures are everywhere in the outdoors!” My stomach was upside-down. In the meantime, my dear husband was amusingly and quietly observing how things were evolving since there was a very great opportunity that could benefit him: we finally could go family camping.

The fear of bugs and the fear of failing to make a fire weren’t good excuses to provide a fun and rich Catholic environment for my daughters. I needed Divine assistance, and I asked for the grace to embark on this wonderful-roller coaster mission of establishing a Girls section in the Atlanta area.

Smoke, rain and a blown-away tent

My imperfect prayer reached the throne of God, and soon enough, we were established as a group by our General Commissioner. Things were now serious, and I need to get basic training. My husband was thrilled. Our first family camping helped me to grasp the Sense of the Concrete Reality. My initial progression report had several failures: making a fire, especially when God decides to bring rain on your way. The amounts of smoke I was able to produce were proof that I could repel bugs and humans at the same time! I failed a couple of times pitching a tent when a storm hit our campsite and partially blew off the Timberwolf tent.

From fear to boldness

The road hasn’t been easy, but the rewards have been sweet. The encouragement and support from parents, youth and benefactors have been uplifting. My family has been my cheerleaders; without their presence, the Atlanta group wouldn’t be here today.

I look back now, and four years later, I can see how our Lord walked me from fear to boldness. I am still a scaredy-cat, but His grace has helped me look forward and focus on what He wants. To Him, for Him, and in Him, all honour and glory!