I have spent many weekends exploring the Snowy Range, 30 miles 
west of Laramie, Wyoming. Ponds and streams nestled between hills 
of wildflowers and wind-blown pines, all below a massive cliff. 
Safety seems sure because of the ever-present landmark. Climbing 
to the top of the cliff is exciting and relatively easy. The two 
mile trail takes just two hours and the view is worth the effort, 
especially when arriving at the summit just as the sun rises. 

The top of the mountain in the early morning was so quiet I could 
hear a lone car miles away on the black-top. I enjoyed sitting 
half-way up the cliff, sunning in the afternoon, and could 
clearly hear the conversation of a couple hiking far below on the 
lakeshore. Exploring alone within the safety of the walled-
valley, I never feared being alone in the wilderness. 

There were times when I got more adventurous. One morning, after 
reaching the summit and looking east over the valley, I turned 
west and considered the topography. The cliff, a result of 
tectonic lift, had a far less severe back-side. It sloped gently 
away to the west into the forest. The sight intrigued me. "I'll 
follow along the backside of the cliff to the far south end, 
where I’ll round the corner and once again be below the cliff."

Off I set on a new adventure! After a delightful hike through the 
forest, I rounded a corner I believed would bring me back to the 
safety of the valley below the cliff. The scene surprised me. 
Rolling forested hills. No cliff. In the distance, I saw a lake 
and some tents. I realized that I had followed a misleading slope 
and was further west than I meant to be. Knowing that it was mid-
afternoon and I had to quit goofing around and get to safety 
before dark, I hiked towards the tents. As I approached, carrying 
my canteen with its newly broken strap, I noticed that this was a 
Boy Scout camp. How embarrassing. I cringed, but I had no choice 
because I respected the danger of wilderness. The pack leader 
gathered all the little boys around and tackled my situation 
together. How embarrassing. I cringed, but I had no choice 
because daylight was running out. 

I followed their directions and headed south on a dirt road, 
where I met a couple of guys just returning from a week in the 
wilderness. I hiked with them to their car parked a full four 
miles west of the south end of the cliff, and accepted a ride 
back to my car. 

I'm the worst at asking for help. I habitually believe that I 
must do it perfectly correct the first time all by myself. It 
often starts with me biting off more than I can chew. You don't 
know anyone like that, do you? There should be a psalm that says 
"Enthusiasm, un-tempered by wisdom, is a stumbling stone." 

But the truth is that sometimes our passion for life, our 
excitement about activities, or even our ministry leads us where 
our physical ability can not follow. When we arrive around this 
corner and find that we are in over our heads, humility can save 
us. 

Psychological research has taught the standard "Fight or Flight" 
response to stress, but it doesn't help much in the modern world. 
In most situations, we can't deck someone or run away. While 
"Fight or Flight" worked for the cave-man when a saber-tooth 
tiger attacked, its been discovered that cave-woman had another 
response, "Tend and Befriend." She gathered together with other 
women and with the children and created a support system. 

Ask for help. Tell someone. To be alone and in need is to walk 
towards self-destruction. Don’t get lost in a wilderness because 
of pride. 

Paths began to beckon Theresa when she was 12, visiting the 
Bridger Wilderness in Wyoming. Walking, dancing, and movement 
are a part of her, nourished by John Denver's musical challenge 
for her to "fly." Join her "walking with women" Life Discovery 
Tours. Learn more about Theresa Gabriel Women Summit LLC www. 
womensummit.com - Life Discovery Tours - Women's Retreats