The Bible, The Barn & The Horses: Trust at the Edge of Touch

Today, my younger mare, Waimea, reminded me how trust unfolds in layers. During groundwork, she was calm and connected—lowering her head, closing her eyes, and melting into my hands as I rubbed her face. The connection was undeniable. That part of her loves closeness. But I learned that she has boundaries. Those boundaries are likely tied to a past. The moment my hand drifted down her neck, the peace faded. She stiffened, tail swishing, tense and unsure.

Understanding Boundaries

It made me think of how I can relate to that wall. We often allow God near only in the places that feel safe. We let Him be part of the pieces of us we have already surrendered—the ones that look calm and tidy. But the deeper parts of us—the ones that ache or have been hurt before—we guard closely, just like my Waimea.

The Healing Process

So much of healing, both for horses and for humans, is learning to stand still in those moments when we want to pull away. We must let love close long enough to trust the intention and learn to trust again.

As I worked with her, I didn’t push. I waited. I let her see that my hand would stay soft and my presence patient. Slowly, her eyes softened again. She didn’t run—she breathed.

A Moment of Trust

At the very end, she stepped forward and placed her muzzle in my hand. She just stood there, breathing softly—as if to say, “I trust you now.”

In that quiet moment, I felt the echo of God’s own gentleness—the way He waits at the edge of our fear, never forcing, always inviting.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”—Psalm 32:8

The Journey of Trust

Trust is a journey. It takes time and patience. Just like Waimea, we all have our boundaries. We may have experienced pain that makes us hesitant to let others in. But healing begins when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable.

When we open up, we create space for connection. This connection is essential for growth. It allows us to explore the deeper parts of ourselves.

Embracing Vulnerability

Embracing vulnerability can be daunting. It requires courage to face our fears. But it's also liberating. When we let go of our defenses, we invite love and healing into our lives.

I remember the first time I let someone see my true self. It was terrifying. But the relief that followed was profound. I felt lighter, freer.

The Power of Presence

Being present is crucial in building trust. Just as I remained patient with Waimea, we must be patient with ourselves and others. We need to create environments where trust can flourish.

When we show up for each other, we build a foundation of safety. This foundation allows for deeper connections and healing.

Trusting the Process

Trusting the process is essential. Healing is not linear. There will be ups and downs. But each step is part of the journey.

I remind myself that it’s okay to take small steps. Each moment of connection, each breath, brings us closer to healing.

Conclusion

In the end, trust is about connection. It’s about allowing ourselves to be seen and loved. Just like Waimea, we all have our boundaries. But with patience and love, we can learn to trust again.

Let us remember that we are not alone in this journey. We have each other, and we have God, waiting gently at the edges of our fears.

By embracing vulnerability and being present, we can create a world where trust flourishes. Together, we can heal and grow, one step at a time.