Nik Wallenda's Historic Skywire Walk across Grand Canyon Amazing on Several Levels

With nearly every step, Nik is fervently praying, live on TV beamed all around the world and online to millions hanging on every inch of progress.

When I first watched 7th generation high-wire walker Nik Wallenda walk across Niagara Falls it was without any audio feed. Always having been a huge fan of the breathtaking waterfall, I thought it was an incredible feat. (Photo: Discovery Channel) 

And then I watched the replay of Nik's walk, this time with the audio feed enabled.
Though I'd been a Believer in Jesus for over two decades prior, Nik's obviously (and audibly) strong faith and reliance on the Lord as he took each perilous step was akin to being in a Holy Spirit-filled revival meeting for me.

There's just something about fearlessness and faith in action.

Naturally, I was excited for his next wire-walk—this time over the immense and spectacular gorge that becomes the Grand Canyon a little further on from where Nik would cross.
Elders of the Navajo Nation graciously gave Nik permission to execute the feat on their land.

This would be equally as astounding as wire-walking over Niagara, except the fact that Nik would not be fettered with any tether (or any net below) at his own request; the stakes were amped to the utmost. (Photo: Discovery Channel) 

The stunt would literally be life or death, as the 1,500 foot drop would likely be terminal.
And a good portion of the world would be watching live (with a 10 second delay) thanks to the Discovery Channel, which acquiesced to Nik's request to leave behind the tether he was made to wear over Niagara.

As the countdown for the start of the walk drew near, I hopped onto the highly populated #Skywire Twitter feed. Most of the comments indicated—along with excitement—great concern and tension regarding the walk… "This is crazy!" "Why would he risk his life with his family watching?"

I would've been feeling something similar no doubt, except I've been reading Nik's book, "Balance" and I knew this is definitely something of a calling for him. One that his family understands because it's what they've always known. (Photo: Discovery Channel) 

Not unlike Joseph in the Bible, God has given Nik destiny-filled dreams from a young age; he is just pursuing what the Lord has evidently purposed for him to do.

This is pretty apparent from the way God seems to be using the gifting and talents He's bestowed on Nik, and how this Christ-centered man, who has known the wire-walking passion from age 2, is giving God the glory at every opportunity.

At a time in our country's history when a state has to pass a law to be able to use the term "Merry Christmas" without legal ramifications, and a cheerleading team is sued for writing Bible verses on their home game banners; here is Nik Wallenda thrilling the world with his passionate pursuit of both God and the skywire.

With nearly every step, Nik is fervently praying, live on TV beamed all around the world and online, with millions watching, hanging on every inch of progress. (Photo: Discovery Channel) 

As he looks down, Nik praises Jesus for His awesome creation, as the gusts kick up Nik asks over and over for the Lord to "calm these winds by the authority of Jesus." With every painstaking step over the canyon 1,500 feet down, he prays "Thank You Father, praise You Jesus."

The Presence of God is intense.

There is also the devoted and vitally important relationship Nik has with his earthly dad that is broadcast to every viewer, as Nik's father Terry—who scrupulously and meticulously oversees the engineering of the cable his son walks on—encourages him through a headset the entire way.

"Take your time," says his father near the end of the walk, "I am" answers Nik, but as he steps back over the land on the other side with his family in view, he breaks into a wire-jog, grabs off the 30' long, 40 lb. balancing pole with ease and jumps to the ground kissing it in victory. (Photo: Discovery Channel) 

The relief felt around the world is palpable.

This week major decisions are being wrestled with in the US Supreme Court—decisions that could completely change this country in ways we likely can't yet or would want to imagine.
But, last night, for 22 minutes up on a skywire perched 1,500 feet above perilous beauty, Nik Wallenda led another revival meeting with the world watching and intently listening.
An amazing, inspiring act of fearless faith in action.

Thank you Nik.

If you're a fan, I recommend reading Nik's book, "Balance," in it you'll see that his relationship with Jesus Christ, and his devotion to his family, is central to who he is and all that he does.

Follow this link to watch portions of this historic skywire walk across the Grand Canyon.

Unafraid: What God Wants Us to Be

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…"

About a year and a half ago, a friend and I went to see veteran Christian recording artist Amy Grant in concert. After a night filled with Amy's beloved contemporary classics, she played a song from an album that was (at the time) still in the works.

The song was called Unafraid, and it reached in and touched my heart like none of the others had that night.

Here's why...

As I've been walking with the Lord for nearly 25 years now, He has changed my heart and my life in many ways. But, more than anything else I can put my finger on…

…God has given me courage.

I don't say this in a boastful way, mind you. I'm making this known as a tribute to Him—because it's no small feat.

Before I knew the Lord, I was afraid of many things. As a child I was terrified that my parents would die (they've always been quite healthy—it was just fear). As a young adult on my own in a state far from where I'd grown up, I suffered from extreme loneliness. I was much too shy to put myself in circumstances where I would meet new people, although I hated being without friends.

Then when I became a single mom, I was so fearful of somehow losing or mis-parenting this precious child of whom I was now in charge.

Even later on, as a "new" Christian, the challenges of the beginning years of marriage brought an anxiety that threatened to steal my peace of mind at every turn.

But now, as I look back, I can clearly see the enormous change that only God could bring to my heart, soul and to who I am. It's even stated in 1John 4:18:

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."

Bottom line; God's perfect love has cast out my fear.

It has enabled me to love my husband—unafraid. To entrust my children, now young adults, into God's secure hands—unafraid. To let go of my brother, till we meet again on the other side of the veil—unafraid. To see my parents getting older, but to know (since they're Believers) I can never really lose them—unafraid. To look to the future—unafraid.

It doesn't mean never being fearful of something—but because God's perfect love is always present, it brings courage. Courage, by the way, is not defined by never being afraid; but by—in the face of that fear—pressing through it.

Merriam-Webster defines "courage" this way:
"…mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. …mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship. Courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty."

Sounds a lot like what the Apostle Paul says in 2 Tim. 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Recently, Amy's new EP was released and I heard the full version of her new song: Unafraid. As I listen, I know God has done this work in Amy, as well as in me. She tells the story well; here is an excerpt from the lyrics:

Watchin' my children finding their way
Through struggles and trials and heartbreak
I hope the roads they take are making them strong
I'll still be on my knees long after they're gone.
But, Love has made, Love has made, Love has made…
…has made me unafraid.

If you struggle with fear, I pray that you will allow God to do this great work in you too.

May His perfect love cast out your fear today.

(To watch a video of Amy Grant playing this song, click here: )