Emerge: Let Go, Leave behind what you no longer need. May 25, 2025

Carrying a rock on the Camino de Santiago became a powerful symbol of letting go—of burdens, grief, or sin. As I journeyed, I realized the rock I needed to release was my hyper-vigilance, a habit born from years of living in an unsafe home environment. Though it once served a purpose, it had become damaging, and God made it clear it was time to lay it down. Letting go is never easy, even when we know it’s necessary. It requires deep trust that God will be present and faithful as we step into the unknown.

The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly offers a vivid image of this process. As a caterpillar, clinging to the branch is survival; as a butterfly, letting go is the only way to soar. The spiritual life is much the same: we must release what no longer serves us, even if it once kept us safe. The mantra “gulp, leap, soar” captures this journey—pausing to breathe, taking the risk, and discovering that God’s faithfulness holds us up. Until we let go, we cannot experience the freedom and strength God has prepared for us.

The Israelites, freed from slavery, struggled with the uncertainty of the wilderness. They longed for the familiarity of Egypt, even though it meant bondage. God provided for them in new ways—manna and quail—teaching them to trust in unfamiliar freedom. We, too, often resist change, preferring the comfort of what we know, even if it limits us. Yet, the only way forward is to trust God and step into the unknown.