Emily Barnes Illustrations

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The story behind the art:

This past August I went on a solo hiking trip to Colorado. I decided to hike to Chasm Lake at Longs Peak National Park in Estes. On my journey I learned some very important lessons.

First research your hike before you head out.

Second make sure you pack more than water. Food and electrolytes are key.

Three do not think you are stronger than a mountain.

When I reached about 11,000 feet, close to Peacock Pool, I became very dizzy, light-headed, nauseous. As I sat down on the trail, looking down the side of the mountain which seemed like a 500 foot drop off, I wondered if God had brought me here to die, surely not!

I was grateful for 2 hikers that came a helped. They sat with me for 10 minutes, shared food and electrolytes and advised that I head on down the mountain, even though I only had half a mile to Chasm Lake. I tucked tail and went back down, with my legs cramping off and on for a good 30 minutes. It was a ridiculously humbling experience. At the ripe age of 50, I realized I bit off more than I could chew. The one thing I will never forget is the hiker that helped me stand up to head back down the mountain. As he helped me get my backpack on he said, “Maam, this pack is really heavy.” and he turned me around and helped me put it on. In that moment I thought, this is a key statement, a crucial moment, like a message from God, sometimes I just bite off more than I can chew in my pride, in my own strength. Without Him I can do nothing. This image is a representation of God’s love for me in sending help and a reminder that those beautiful mountains should not be underestimated. Lean on Him, let Him be your supply.

Blessings. -Em