Don't Let Fear Hold You Back: Swimming with Manta Rays in Kona, Hawaii


Have you ever let fear stop you from trying something new? Maybe you've been hesitant to travel somewhere new or try an adventure sport you've always wanted to do. I understand that feeling all too well, but I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be that way. I've learned that fear is not an obstacle that should hold us back.
I want to share my experience swimming with manta rays in Kona, Hawaii, and how it taught me to overcome my fears and live life to the fullest.

When I first learned that I had won the opportunity to swim with manta rays, I felt both excited and terrified. I had never done anything like it before, and the thought of swimming in the dark with giant sea creatures was overwhelming. I mean, have you ever watched the movie Jaws? But, I knew that this was an experience I couldn't pass up, and the best part was that I earned it by being in the top 25 of the Kona Challenge with Young Living.

When the evening arrived, I was so nervous. But, Larry was by my side encouraging me every step of the way.  I was oiled up and prayed up!  Valor Essential Oil for Courage and praying to God we would not see any sharks. 

First, we put on our wetsuits. It felt like squeezing into tight Spanx. After that, we took a short boat ride to the area where the Manta Rays feed. As I entered the water and saw the manta rays gracefully swimming beneath me, my fear slowly dissipated and I started to feel excitement. Watching these beautiful creatures glide through the water with such ease was both humbling and awe-inspiring. I was reminded of the beauty of God's creation and our interconnectedness in this world. It was an unforgettable moment. I had faced my fear head-on and had come out on the other side with a renewed sense of confidence and assurance. I realized that sometimes the things that scare us the most are the things that have the potential to lead to the greatest growth within us.  If I hadn't gone on the adventure, or even if I had stayed on the boat, I would have missed this incredible opportunity to witness the breathtaking creatures that God has created. Moreover, I would have missed out on the wonderful experience shared with my incredible friends.

As women and overcomers, we face challenges every day that can leave us feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. However, it's essential to remember that we can do much more than we give ourselves credit for. When we confront our fears and rise to the challenge, we not only prove to ourselves what we are capable of, but we also inspire and motivate others to do the same. Furthermore, when we recognize that our strength and courage come from our Heavenly Father, we can confidently face any challenge that comes our way.

Swimming with manta rays in Kona, Hawaii was an experience that taught me so much about myself and the world around me. It reminded me never to let fear hold me back and to always embrace the unknown with an open mind and heart. As women and overcomers, we must continue to push past our fears and take risks in order to grow and thrive. So, don't let fear stop you from missing out on life's greatest adventures. Remember that God is not a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.