The Cost Of Reckless Surrender

Posted July 13, 2021 by Theresa Miller

Categories: Popular Posts, Sister Post, Theresa

Reckless Decisions

Have you ever made reckless decisions without counting the cost? I sure have.

Within an hour of our hike up Rendezvous Mountain, my college roommate and I found ourselves surrounded by snow-packed cliffs. Determined to take the tram back down the mountain from the top, we kept hiking after encountering snow, and lost the path. Bewildered, we gazed up observing the tram line with no way to reach the booth. So we did what seemed the only logical solution. We hiked up the side of one of those cliffs. Halfway up I heard my friend scream from behind me and Immediately noticed she had sunken into the snow up to her hips. Turning back, I found firm footing and dragged my panicked friend out of that snow. We then carefully sidestepped our way to the top of the ledge just to face another cliff.

Hi, I’m Theresa, the adventurer of the family.

Although I’ve always loved the feeling of freedom in adventure, I’ve been known from time to time to act a little reckless i.e. act before thinking. Reckless behavior growing up came with a determination to do brave things. 

You see, although my quiet personality revelled in my adventurous spirit, reckless behavior often reflected an expression of courage my childhood shame refused me. The shame a child shoves down deep when silence seems the safest solution; when safety makes you feel like the least brave person in the room. 

Conquering hard feats like that mountain made me feel like I could do anything, when the more difficult mountains to overcome were within myself. Conquering internal mountains has meant facing challenging unknowns, forgiving childhood loss, and trusting God completely with my story.

Discovering My Voice

Over the years, I’ve discovered my voice through the creative gifts God has intended for me. Creative writing, in particular, has acted as the catalyst to healing and growth. In that space, I’ve come to realize just how God created me perfectly for His purposes.

This is me—a little reckless, yet I like how I’ve grown into who God created me to be. Because the best adventures in life have truly come with reckless surrender. Although I had already committed my life to Christ, surrendering my choices has meant a new level of freedom. It’s meant relinquishing control of my way and fully trusting God with the consequences.

Rescued

About six hours into the hike, the tram passed overhead, making its last run. My friend and I cried out, wildly waving down the onlookers. Minutes later, the ski patrol team came swishing down the mountain to our rescue.

Today I can see how the arms of my Heavenly Father have rescued me, time and time again. His Spirit has guided me, as I have navigated my way through as many struggles as I’ve had adventures. 

Amid life’s mishaps, there is purpose on this journey, and I desire for you to completely trust God with yours. Has grit and determination left you exhausted? Has wandering through a wilderness with no path in sight left you confused? Could it be you’ve finally made it to the top of that steep cliff just to face another? I get it. Letting go and trusting God with the details of our lives can feel reckless. But it’s the only way to be reckless. It’s a recklessness that is far more rewarding than any adventure you will embark on. I promise you. 

I want to share with you stories of reckless surrender here in this space. My hope is they will encourage you to recklessly trust God with your next steps. It’s not an easy road, all these twists and turns and spaces of vulnerability. This surrender can feel downright terrifying at times. But, oh friend, how satisfying it is to know the cost of reckless surrender is freedom.