I don’t know if it was my pride that made me do it or my stubbornness.
Years ago, we visited Dollywood Splash Country with my cousin Lynda and her family. While our children and husbands were playing on the water attractions, we walked around the park. I noticed one that had three water tubes running down the hill into a large pool. Two were enclosed and twisted while and one was open and straight
“Hey, that looks like fun.” I pointed. “Do you want to try it?”
She smiled and answered, “No, but you can.”
Being determined, I climbed up the hill toward the platform on top. I stood in line for a few minutes. Finally, I got to stand on the platform as I waited for my turn. That’s when I noticed how dark it was inside the enclosed tubes. I began to doubt the wisdom of my decision. That’s when the lifeguard said: “You’re next. Stand beside to the tube until I tell you to jump in.”
So, I walked over to the opening of the tube. Inside, it was almost completely black. Let me clarify something here: I am not afraid of the dark. What I am terrified of is closed in places. I have a very bad case of Claustrophobia. I realized it was so dark inside because the tube was so narrow and there were very few small holes that dotted along the top of it. My heart began to pound and my palms became sweaty. Maybe I should turn around and walk back down while I still had the chance.
“Jump in!” The life guard yelled. Instead, I stood there. I glanced over and watched a kid jump into the other enclosed tube. As for the open tube, there were already 3 in line for it. Then I looked around to see the life guard and the other kids waiting in line looking at me. They didn’t seem too pleased with me. At that point, I had two choices. First, I could walk away, but if I did that, I would have to walk by all the kids in line. Or I could save face and jump in. I held my breath and jumped into the pitch-black tube. Maybe it wouldn’t be as bad as I thought.
I thought wrong.
To me, it was like being in a bad dream. I continually prayed as my body zoomed down through the tube’s unseen twists and turns. It was all I could do to barely move my arms or legs. Plus, there was water flowing in the tube with me. It splashed in my face and got into my mouth. Couple of times I got a little choked. If felt as if I was going to suffocate before I could get out. Then I worried about getting stuck in that tube of terror.
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25 (KJV)
Did you think I was going to use the verse Proverbs 16:18 about pride going before the fall? I did consider using it, but then I had a realization. Pride often goes hand in hand with the fear of what other people think of us. I didn’t want to be laughed at by children who didn’t have the fears I had. Also, what would the adults standing at the attraction think of me?
I guess you can say I learned the hard way it’s not wise to worry about what others will think of me. That often leads to trouble. But pleasing the Lord will bring peace.
Flying out of the tube, I landed in the pool of water. I jumped up and took in a big gasp of fresh air. After what seemed like forever, I was finally free from the tube’s bondage. I prayed a big “THANK YOU,” to the Lord. That’s when the life guard at the pool blew her whistle and yelled, “Get out of the way so others can take their turns.” I eagerly obliged. And I didn’t look back.
Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.