Big Girl Pants

A few weeks ago, I was awarded the “Big Girl Pants” award after hiking the California Freedom Challenge.  The award is awarded to the person who stepped outside of their comfort zone to do something hard.  This award has special significance  as it is awarded in memory of the founder, Kathy Anderson and her relationship with Raylene Thomas.  Kathy was regularly encourage friends in a loving way to do hard things, to “put on their big girl pants” as she challenged herself to do hard things as well.  One time before Kathy was about to take on a very difficult hike, to kid around with her Raylene bought her friend and actual pair of “big girl pants” and shared a good laugh with her.

The recognition of this award was a sweet reminder that I really can do hard things.  I drove up to Mammoth with several gals from the Sierra Sisters hiking group. One of the women who had completed the Tahoe Freedom Challenge last year encouraged me that “God would meet me on the mountain” and that the challenge for each person on the hike would be different for each individual.