Thursday, September 17, 2009

spinning, cycling, falling...

I arrived totally looking the part. Spandex? Check! Water bottle? Check! Helmet? Check! Let's ride, he said with a sly smile indicating he knew something I didn't. The terrain was tough, the hills were scary, and quite honestly, my derriere ached because it felt like I was sitting on a brick. This is SO not like my Spin class, I called out as we peddled and panted up a hill.

I began spinning and became quite obsessed with stationary cycling about three years ago. Two years ago I found myself feigning for a better cycle workout, so when my friend Jelani asked me to go mountain biking with him, I totally thought I could hang. I mean, come on, I was spinning four times a week in an air-conditioned, dimly lit room while Michael Jackson medleys motivated me to push harder, faster, stronger. Mountain biking was going to be a piece of birthday cake!

He warned me of a steep drop on the trail and to let go of the bike, tuck and roll if I fell off at any point of the descent. No sooner did he say that I began to feel the wobble in the front wheel, the violent shake of the bike running over rocks at illegal speeds, and my back tire lifting off the trail with every pump of the break. I AM GOING TO DIE, was the only thought that crossed my mind. Release, tuck, roll, release, tuck, roll, I kept saying to myself. When I reached ungodly speeds, I tried to fall off the bike in a natural fashion but my feet were strapped in the stirrups. Of course. Release, tuck, roll? Heck no! I held on for dear life with every ounce of my being and squeezed the bike between my thighs. If the bike is going to flip, I'm going to bust out an Evel Knievel and flip with it! I made it down the hill and glared at Jelani as he smiled and said with disappointment, Awww, man! I thought you were going to fall.

Today in spin class, I thought of God's word. No matter what the world is shouting at us to do, sometimes we have to do the safest thing and hold on to what we know (Hebrews 10:23). How do we gauge morality?1 What is the rubric of Truth?2 What is the barometer of ethics?3 As Christians, our grid of knowledge and world view must come from God's inspired and infallible word. When Life is moving at warp speed, when you feel like you are falling, if fear is overtaking you, squeeze and hold onto God's word like your Life depends on it. Because it does.

18 comments:

Terrie said...

I totally needed this reminder. I feel like it's so hard for me to read my Word. I know I should do it, but sometimes it's just so hard to get into. I come here everyday and you share scripture and I love it! Does that count? :) J/K

Cindy A. said...

1. I hate spin class.
2. You went from spinnin to mountain biking?!
3. You're awesome!

Diandra Ann said...

hat is this wonderful sounding thing you call spinning?

AmazedbyHim said...

It's amazing how you take NOT falling from a mountain bike to a lesson from our God and have it make sense. Simpy AMAZING...how do you do it?? Thank you for your boldness and openness in all your blogs. They keep me coming back for more.

Anonymous said...

I am applying your lesson today. I am holding on to His word and His promise. The world is telling me not to do His will that I am going to miss out on what my company has to offer. But I've decided to follow Jesus and I am not turnig back. Today marks the end of 14 years at my lawfirm. I am sooooo excited!

~Maria

Bianca said...

Terrie: Welcome to the commenting club! Thanks for leaving your thoughts :) I will say, HOWEVER, that my (lame) musings should NEVER take place of God's word. Get into the scriptures EVERYDAY, friend :)
Cindy: I'm going to crown you Queen of Encouragement! You make my totally laugh!
Diandra: Bally's has Spin class at 6am in LB with this CRAZY instructor, Brittany. AMAZING.
Amazed: People like you affirm me that God is using those who are willing to be used. I'll keep writing, you keep coming.
Maria: WOW! Fourteen years and you are walking away to heed a call to ministry. You are a testimony of faith in the Lord. We all LOVE you guys!

Anonymous said...

B, I remember that descent so vividly. Although it wasn't with disappointment, but relief that you didn't fall. My thought process was "Awww, man! What is she doing???" and then "If she eats it, her dad is going to KILL me" ;-) Needless to say, we made it... dirty, muddy, sore, bruised, but victorious. Who says Christianity and mountain biking don't go hand-in-hand? ;-) Jelani

renay. said...

B, I got a visual and I'm laughing. I'M SORRY... but you gave us an awesome application and, again, totally needed! God is good!

Lydia said...

You've got a way with words, girl! I thank the Lord for your gift!

Kimbo said...

"ungodly speeds" ahahaha! xD

loved this post! I can't wait to catch you up on what God's been showing me through His Word.
love youuuuu

juniorj said...

I remember my first and only spin class. I died and never returned.

Unknown said...

The last paragraph was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you. Going through some tuff stuff. I love the way the Lord uses you. Blessings sista!!!

cassandra-m said...

thanks for the encouragement...fear does creep in and es GOD is the answer.

Lindsay said...

1. You do spin classes
2. You do spin classes at 6am
3. You're crazy!!!

Anytime I get on a bike I fear for my life!!! Thanks for the encouragement to get into God's word and for the very funny story :)

Bianca said...

Thanks so much, y'all.

And FYI Junior, I'm SO sore today I couldn't even workout. Lindsay, I promise it's a great workout!!!

Bianca said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kayla said...

Hmm. I wish you didn't live completely across the country from me. I'm pretty sure we could be best friends.

Spin Freak said...

So funny! Loved this article.
Spinning & REAL outdoor riding is SO different. But I still love Spinning!

Hey, have you seen these:

www.b-bands.com

handlebar covers for Spinning & indoor cycling

Pretty sweet! Thought you'd like.

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